“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.” – Dalai Lama

We often spend much of our time and energy dwelling in the past and waiting for the perfect future while the present moment slips away.

Writing this on National Carpe Diem Day is a beautiful reminder to live in the present, as Carpe Diem means Seize the Day. We often place happiness on hold for 'someday,' delaying using new or treasured items or perhaps postponing action on resolutions until next January.

Many years ago, my Mother-in-Law was using threadbare towels while multiple unopened packages of brand-new, fluffy towels she'd received as gifts sat in the attic. One day, my husband brought a set down and asked why she was using such worn towels when she had more than one set of new ones. She said the packages weren't open yet, so she didn’t want to use them. As he ripped apart the plastic, he said, "They're open now!" We then refreshed each room with wonderful new towels.

I've also delayed using a gift that brought me joy, saving it for 'someday' - a beautiful set of four peach-colored latte cups and saucers from Crate and Barrel. They are my Mad Hatter cups, like the Alice in Wonderland tea party. I didn't use them for the longest time to keep them safe, fearing they would break. For years, they sat in a box, enjoyed by no one - including me! One day, I decided I deserved to enjoy them and that it would best honor the gift giver, so I put them into use in pairs. While I’m not a coffee drinker, they are wonderfully versatile and cheer me up whenever I see or use them. And I'm still using the original pair I pulled out years ago! When the inevitable breakage happens, I've already accepted that I'd rather have it break while I'm using and enjoying it than to preserve it hidden away in a box.

Don't wait for that elusive "someday special." Honor those items and start using them today.

Now, let's talk about those resolutions. Two-thirds of people who make new year resolutions abandon them within the first month. Then, they wait until next January 1st to declare new ones.

Rather than waiting for the mythical magic of January 1st, National Carpe Diem day reminds us there is no better time than the present to take action and start working on your goals. Beyond mere wish-filled statements of resolution, develop well-crafted plans that move you toward your goals. The longer you wait and the more time passes, the harder it can be to take the first step.

Break your goals into small, manageable steps, and move consistently toward achieving them. Things won't change overnight. It is the small, daily actions that net results. Embrace the journey every single day - not just on National Carpe Diem Day.

You deserve to enjoy and take action in your life now! Unpack those items you've been saving for 'someday special' and dust off those abandoned resolutions. Today IS special, and there is no time like the present.

What will you do today?

Photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash