Carpe Diem Is More Than A Saying

You know, the sand is running out of the hourglass, so I want to look back and say “See, I did that. That was me. I was reckless and I was wild, and I fucking did it.”

~ Jamie Lee Curtis as Helen Tasker in True Lies

I recall reading a blog post, years ago, by a young man who was so excited to see the new Star Wars: Episode I movie when it was about to be released. He also talked about his sister’s creepy ex-boyfriend who was waiting in the apartment with him for her to come home. The blog was later used to convict the ex-boyfriend who, after the post was made, stabbed the young man to death then sat there with his corpse for a few hours before killing the sister when she finally arrived.

Though the story is a shocking one, the weird thing is that it was the excitement and anticipation of the young man for the movie he never got to see that stuck with me. Yep, a weird example of a hope unfulfilled, but it illustrates an important point: whether it’s telling someone you love them, or selling your house and touring the world, or taking up clog dancing… if there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, or experience, go to it. You never know if you’ll miss your chance.

A friend of mine used to visit me several times a week. Sometimes we laughed so hard it hurt, other times we grew annoyed with each other, but still looked forward to each other’s company in that paradoxical way that being around someone you’re close to can do… but even in the best of times she was a little sad; time was going by and she felt unfulfilled by her career. She’s now in nursing school and so busy with studies that lately I haven’t seen her in months – but she’s happy and fulfilled, following her dream.

Two other dear friends are currently, but temporarily, living here in Saskatoon as they travel around the world. From Canberra Australia to Europe to across Canada and beyond, they move somewhere, live and work there for a while to experience it, then move on when the wanderlust strikes again. Even so, one of them recently shared with me her desire to write screenplays or novels. Even though she’s living the sort of devil-may-care travel adventure many of us only dream about, she still has dreams of her own to fulfill.

I’m glad that my starvation project this summer, while wreaking havoc on my health (I’m recovering nicely so far) changed some people’s minds about their body image to a healthier attitude. I met some amazing new people, including my new-but-good-friend Liam who plans to join me on my bike ride across Canada next summer.

Farther into the future I look forward to seeing my son grow old enough to have laugh lines become permanent, deep, proud wrinkles around his eyes; but that day can take it’s sweet time getting here. I also look forward to seeing friends long absent once again beside me. Okay, maybe this one could happen sooner rather than later – but whenever it does I’ll enjoy the moment.

Obviously I hope to be around to experience these things and many more. But there’s a chance I might not.. and because of this chance, I try even harder to make them happen.

At the risk of sounding trite, if you’re not already living life to the fullest… why not? Thinking to yourself “someday…” is a start; but what happens when we run out of somedays?

Have you ever wanted to write a novel? Take up skydiving? Quit your job and open a hip clothing store? Rekindle a romance with a lover you now take for granted? See the sunset on the South Pacific? Then do it.

Some of you might be reading this thinking “geez, D’Arç, enough with the lecturing. I’m already out there doing these things”. And that’s because I’m blessed with some very dynamic friends and readers. But if there is a “someday” that lurks in your mind and heart, make that someday today.