“Let us therefore set out whole-heartedly, leaving aside our many distractions and exert ourselves in this single purpose, before we realize too late the swift and unstoppable flight of time and are left behind. As each day arises, welcome it as the very best day of all, and make it your own possession. We must seize what flees.”
—SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 108.27b–28a
Time is an incredibly precious and limited resource. Each day, we are given only twenty-four hours to make the most of our lives. Once those hours have passed, they are gone forever, and we cannot get them back. That’s why it’s essential to ask ourselves, “Will I fully inhabit today?”
We all have moments in which we feel overwhelmed or uninspired, and the temptation to give up or procrastinate can be strong. However, it’s crucial to remember that every day is an opportunity to do something meaningful, to make progress towards our goals, and to be the best version of ourselves.
When we wake up in the morning, we have a choice. We can either approach the day with a defeatist attitude or seize it with enthusiasm and purpose. We can tell ourselves, “I’ve got this,” and do everything in our power to make the most of our time. We can take on new challenges, learn something new, or connect with others in meaningful ways.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that not every day will be perfect. Some days, we might not feel like we’re making progress towards our goals, or we might face unexpected obstacles. But even on those days, we can still choose to show up and do our best. We can embrace the imperfections of life and use them as opportunities for growth and learning.
When we look back on our lives, we want to be able to say that we lived fully and made the most of every moment. We don’t want to regret missed opportunities or wasted time. That’s why it’s essential to ask ourselves, “What will I manage to make of today before it slips from my fingers and becomes the past?”
We all have the power to create meaningful experiences and achieve our goals. We just need to take advantage of the time we have and use it wisely. So, the next time someone asks you what you did yesterday, ask yourself, “Do I really want the answer to be ‘nothing?'” Make today count and seize the opportunities that come your way. You only get one shot at today, so make it count!
