Carpe Vino

One of my favorite phrases comes from Latin and means “pluck the day.” It is generally known as “seize the day.” It is a powerful phrase that became a part of me after watching “The Dead Poets Society.” If you have never watched that movie, go rent it this weekend. In fact, go rent it tonight.

My wife bought me a tee-shirt several years ago that says “Carpe Vino” or “seize the wine.” Those who know me well know that I have a passion for good wine. Yet another great application of “Carpe Diem.”

This morning, I observed a couple that looked to be in their early sixties, maybe even late 50s. They were getting out of their truck when I first noticed them. They were headed into a cancer clinic. The husband had an oxygen tank, so he had other health issues. The wife could barely walk; she was obese. She labored and lumbered her way into the clinic.

I could not tell which one was dealing with cancer. This clinic was dedicated to serving those who already had cancer. One of them was fighting with walking and potentially their life. I was deeply affected by the image of this couple. In just twenty years, I will be in my sixties. I tried to put myself into their shoes to get in touch with their pain.

Instead of being able to get in touch with their pain I found myself being drawn to the spirit of “carpe diem.” When you are in good health and life is good, you need to “seize the day.” I thought about all of the troubles we all face when we are married. Not enough time, intimacy, sex, or … The list goes on.

It struck me. That couple would trade their condition in life with ours. It is a lot easier to deal with the intricacies of marriage than life and death. This couple was suffering deep pain physically, emotionally and perhaps terminally. It was almost impossible for them to seize the moment, let alone the day.

We all should embrace the spirit of “carpe diem” and live it each day. We should live it at home, at our offices, and anywhere we may travel. We are not promised another day, so why would we not make the most of each day that we are blessed with?

Right now I am practicing “Carpe Vino.” I am writing this post with a wonderful glass of Cabernet from South Africa.

Take a sheet of paper and write the phrase “Carpe Diem” on it. Put it on your bathroom sink. In the morning when you see it, look in the mirror and tell yourself you are going to seize the day! Do this for 21 days and it just may become a habit.