Start your day in a new healthy way?
Well, we could start this blog entry simply by hoisting the following Latin cliche:
Carpe Diem.
And leave it there. But of course, there’s so much behind that!
Seize the day is the translation we’ve embraced in popular culture. Firm Latin scholars (yes, they still exist and they’re a fun bunch), would tell you that the popular idea is a bit of a misnomer.
The literal translation of Carpe is “to pluck” and the phrase actually means, pluck the day when it’s fully ripe. It still means “go for it” and capitalize, in a way, but to go for it at its best; to enjoy it in full and make the best of the bounty of life.
The day is full of bloom and glory, a host of juicy, sweet and savory bits. Sometimes it gets a little bruised and messy, but on the whole, the sun has risen and you’re here and you’re able. So we’re simply saying, before it gets complicated, take a minute to soak up the joy of being fully alive and pluck what you want to be wonderful with the day sitting right in front of you.
A hearty breakfast, a healthy (but yummy) snack, a moment with a loved one, a savored cup of warm coffee or tea, a snuggle with a furry friend, a walk, a good book or newspaper, a stretch (or several), a prayer or meditation (or both), an exercise class with pals… These are just a few common ideas that set you up well. But it really can be anything; anything that sets puts joy first.
Research has been robust around the idea of positive thinking. Journaling has been shown to be very effective in achieving goals, working out difficult decisions, and getting things off your chest. It’s also proven important in helping shift away from negative thoughts. Journaling about curiosity, gratitude, hope, love, bravery, zest, and other marvelous moments of character, sets you up for a positive day with better internalized thought processes and plans. The same is true for the night time. Write down three things that went well that day and you’ll sleep more soundly. It’s not rocket science and it’s free and accessible. Why don’t we do it? Life is busy and it’s hard to believe that which is free could be so powerful. After so much conditioning that we are not enough without this or that material thing, it’s hard to adjust. But it is possible.
You have what you need inside you. Every inspirational book, movie or song tells us so. Why not start your day believing it. Why not “Pluck” believing in yourself and your positive energy from the very waking moment of the day, and make it marvelous? It’s really up to you.
Here’s a parting word from, Mr. Emerson to press the point:
“Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Collected Poems and Translations
See you on the PATH Ahead,
Gillian, Shevonne, Amy and the PATH team.