Meditations II: Seize The Moment

"Live not as though there were a thousand years ahead of you. Fate is at your elbow; make yourself good while life and power are still yours"

It is easy to delay things. We will complete that project tomorrow, start learning that instrument when you "have more time" or have the money to do so. We often err on the side of caution when weighing up a big decision. Perhaps this is not the right time, maybe I will try again in the future. Often, we refuse to create, push ourselves or take risks simply because we are scared.

Essentially, we coast through our lives, unafraid and unaware that time is slipping away constantly. Every second, every fleeting moment of inaction; that is something we are never getting back.

The only guaranteed moment is this moment right now. There are no exceptions.

Time is the one currency we have but a finite quantity of. Once it is gone, it is gone. You cannot work a 9-5 to get some more. Therefore, it is important to seize each and every moment with vigour and enthusiasm, for we simply do not know how many more moments we will be graced with. We all have a set amount of this currency. The question is this; how will you choose to spend it?

What you do not want is to lie on your deathbed, reflecting on all that has happened to you in life, your successes and failures, only to feel a deepened sense of sorrow for not seizing the opportunities you were once graced with. All because you would "do them later".

"Remember that man lives only in the present, in this fleeting instant: all the rest of his life is either past and gone, or not yet revealed."

Yesterday has happened. Tomorrow has yet to happen and, even then, there is no guarantee. You must live like today is your final day. Accomplish all you seek to achieve, because this might be your last chance.

Do you want your last day on this earth to be spent having not brought to fruition the talents and skills that lay dormant within you? Every moment you spend is a moment forever spent.

There are no refunds.

Sources
Marcus Aurelius "Meditations", Book 4 (17), Book 3 (10)