CEBU, Philippines - A man shared this story, “Today in my local newspaper was the obituary of a twenty-five year old man, the best man of my nephew’s wedding a month ago. In his age, he had barely begun life as an adult, hardly seen life through grown-up eyes. The reason why I related this story is to point out that life is too short. It is compared to a vapor, a wisp of air. Hence, I’m reminding everyone to seize the day and capture its moment.”
The story is indeed a wake-up call to all of us. Some of us may have the notion that only the old ones or the elderly should treasure each moment of the day because they are on the ‘departure’ area of life. But this notion is not true. The news that we read in the newspaper or the news we see on TV shows to us that death speaks of no age.
I had a relative whose life was snatched at an early age. He was only fourteen years old. While playing basketball, he suffered aneurism. He was in coma in the hospital for three days and eventually passed away.
Each day is a special day. I strongly believe that we should capture the joy of the moment that each day offers. We should greet each day with joy in our hearts and a smile on our lips. No matter the kind of life we are in, being alive is already a celebration. I , for one, upon waking up each day always utter a prayer of thanks --- thanking the Lord for giving me another day to witness His creation and to enjoy the beauty of life. I also thank the Lord for all the blessings and protection that He has showered upon me and my children and their families. I always treasure each day as a ‘present’ from Him. I always try to be more aware on what I am doing and be more focus in doing it. Doing this makes me feel more the pulsating essence of life. I have also learned to be more aware of my breathing – the very breathing that links my inner being with the Source -- our God.
According to Daniel Wiafe, a personal motivational life coach, capturing or seizing the day means to take control of your day. He said, “Live life fully and in the moment. Understand that today is like no other day that you have ever lived. When we learn how to capture or seize the day, we learn how to live life fully. Have fun in each day that you live. Your day will have its good moments and it will have its bad moments. That’s a fact of life. But no matter what, treasure each moment of the day and savor it.”
How to seize or capture the day? Consider these tips from Wiafe:
Don’t take things and life so seriously. Learn to laugh, learn to have fun, learn to relax. Take a few deep breaths of fresh air whenever you feel yourself about to break down or lose your cool.
Forgive first, ask question later. Life is too short to hold grudges and bitterness towards other people. I’m not saying that you have to be buddy-buddy with everybody you know. But learn to forgive people who have hurt you so that you can move on with your life.
Pray and meditate. Prayer allows you to get connected one-one-one with God. He speaks to you and you speak to Him. Meditation allows you to relax your mind and establish a calmness and an easiness in your mind, body and spirit.
Have a “ no-negativity” rubber band on your wrist. Anytime a negative, bitter, or poor thought or feeling comes into your mind, gently flick that rubber band, and immediately replace that negative thought or emotion with a positive one. This will allow you to identify when you are having bad feelings and help you to gain control over your thoughts and emotions.
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Email:oysonkathy@yahoo.com