I LOST a good friend last week after succumbing to illness. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to say goodbye.
We essentially grew up together as we attended the same primary and secondary school as well as the same university. We also lived in the same neighbourhood. Despite all this, the news of her death came as a shock to me because I did not know she was not well.
Had we been communicating often enough I would have known she was dying. I may not have been able to do anything to save her, but at least I might have said something to her to make her burden lighter or her last few days brighter. It suffices to say this did not happen.
There is so much we had said we wanted to do together, but there never seemed to be time. We were supposed to go out for a drink as we had not done that in a long time. This too proved to be elusive.
A few months ago we were meant to start jogging together, but that did not happen. The excuse was always “time”. I am saddened by her loss.
We have so many excuses for postponing life. Someone once said that life has a way of accelerating as you get older. The days get shorter and the list of promises gets longer.
Then suddenly you wake up one day and all you have to show is a list of “I’m going to’s”, or “I plan to’s” or “some day when things settle down a bit”. As we begin a new year, my resolution (I hope you make it yours too) is to seize the day.
I want to kiss postponing life goodbye. What should be done today should be done today, as we do not know what tomorrow holds.
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I found some interesting quotes about seizing the day that I would like to share as we begin the new year.
“At the end of the day, let there be no excuses, no explanations, no regrets,” Steve Maraboli says.
“Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today,” Philip Stanhope says.
“Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them,” Orison Swett Marden says.
“There is a time for risky love. There is a time for extravagant gestures. There is a time to pour out your affections on one you love. And when the time comes — seize it, don’t miss it,” Max Lucado.
In all spheres of your life — seize the day. Live in the present. “Today’s a gift from God; grab it and squeeze every ounce of joy from it.” Happy New Year!
Nonto Masuku is a partner of an image and reputation management firm
