Carpe diem – seize the day

It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone, and that we can look forward to spring again. The time for change, renewal, a fresh start. I can already say that it’s been a whirlwind of a year for me. One filled with its share of joys and sorrows.

It started with the news of the passing of a dear friend over the Christmas holidays. Although the news was a shock, it wasn’t so much that it was sudden, but because it really put things into perspective for me.

Despite his illness, he was the kind of friend who lived life to its fullest. Selflessly giving to others and putting their needs before his own, was what continues to inspire me to be a better person.

Focusing on celebrating his life and the memories of the “good ole days” is what allowed me to accept the fact that he was gone. He will always be in my thoughts, and I pray that he will watch over me as I continue my journey through life.

Finding comfort that he was now at a better place and no longer suffering, I began to think about my own life and how I was “living” it. I say that in quotations because although I’m physically present, I really hadn’t taken any risks and made myself vulnerable to finding happiness within myself.

On the day of his funeral I vowed that I would start to take risks. I wasn’t planning to go crazy and do a 180, but risks that would take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me in a different way.

I take pride in the fact that I love a challenge. It keeps me engaged and keeps me out of trouble. So to me, there really wasn’t any reason why I shouldn’t be taking more risks. I was open to the possibility of experiencing life – without regrets, without expectations.

I began to take better care of myself and continue to do so. If I was going to pursue happiness, I figured I might as well do it with a healthy mind, body and soul.

A friend of mind convinced me to set up a profile on a dating site. With my busy schedule with work and other extra-curricular activities, I figured it was the best method to try and meet new people.

I can honestly say that making that one change in my life has really opened up doors for me. What I thought was hindering me from being in a relationship, was actually not a big deal. I have impressed others on the site and have been told that it’s refreshing to have someone who is true to talk to. I have met some people that I otherwise would never have met, and along the way, I continue to learn new things about myself.

My friends are starting to see a change in me too. For the better of course. I try not to hold back what I’m truly feeling, and think that it’s the only way we should be living.

Too many people worry about what others think. I admit, that I am still that way to some extent, but by simply taking more risks and making yourself vulnerable to experiencing life without any expectations, I find life to be more rewarding.

So I haven’t quite found Mr. Right, nor do I have any expectations to, I am learning that the fears I once had, only limited me to the many possibilities out there. There’s a saying that goes “The moment you start expecting things, is the moment you set yourself for disappointment”. I like this quote because it’s true. Having expectations will only limit you to what you would like out of life, but may not be what is the reality.

I am learning to listen to my heart and realizing that it’s OK to make mistakes (as long as you learn from them). My outlook on life in general has become more positive, and I no longer feel pressured to do anything for the sake of impressing anyone else. If I feel that it will continue to make me grow as a person, I just go for it!

Carpe diem! This is my motto. I choose to “Seize the day” at any and every opportunity that comes to me. I aim to live life fearlessly, but cautiously in the sense that as long as what I am doing does not compromise my values and morals.

Life is a never-ending journey which exists to continue to challenge us about how we think and go about our daily activities. It’s meant to allow us to grow and experience life from all aspects, so it only seems fitting to ask – Why aren’t we taking more risks?

I know one thing for sure; I am enjoying life and all that it has to offer. Gone are the days where I overanalyze everything and make excuses as to why I can’t also pursue happiness.

Any opportunities that are thrown at you where you are able to better yourself should be taken. There’s no reason why you should feel compelled to “settle” or think that there are no other opportunities out there for you. It’s all about changing your mentality and being honest with yourself.

Say what you are feeling – don’t hold back. Stop and think before reacting. Chances are if you think it’s going to hurt someone, you probably shouldn’t say or do it. Any feedback, whether it’s positive or constructive, should ultimately have a common goal – revealing the truth.

Don’t be afraid of being alone, or pursuing your dream no matter how long it make take you because behind every dark cloud, there is a silver lining. Take a risk and create those opportunities. Don’t wait for life to pass you by and wonder what may have, or could have been.

This journey is yours, just live it! Most importantly – stay true to yourself!

Shedlmor Sevillo graduated her legal studies in 2004 and is currently working as a Team Leader at Great-West Life where she actively participates in various charitable and community events.

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