Carpe Diem

by Colleen Kilpatrick @colleen.t.kilpatrick

A Role Model For Living Life To The Fullest

At the beginning of 2024, my dear friend, Diane, 78-years young, created a new affirmation for herself.

I am open to new opportunities.

This mindset unknowingly prepared her for an unexpected adventure when I invited her to join me at a community drumming circle. Without a hint of hesitation or knowledge of what awaited, Diane embraced the unknown and accepted my invitation with enthusiasm. That evening, with a borrowed drum in hand, amidst a circle of new friends, she played heartily, her face aglow with joy.

Curious about her motivation, I later asked Diane if an interest in drumming influenced her decision to join me that evening. Chuckling, she replied, “Not at all! After years of teaching in noisy classrooms, I relish silence; music and drumming never called to me."

"Then why agree to join me?” I pressed.

Her response was simple and profound: "I had been telling myself ‘I am open to new opportunities’, so when you offered, I thought ‘Here it is. Time to step up and try something new!’"

“Carpe Diem” - “Seize the Day”.

Diane’s decision to join me so beautifully showcases the true spirit of the ancient Latin expression, “carpe diem”. Her vibrant enthusiasm for life and willingness to embrace new experiences reflect her dedication to seizing the day. What’s more, Diane embodies this philosophy not only in action but in spirit, gracefully embracing change even in the most challenging of times.

Shortly after her beloved husband passed away, Diane courageously embarked on an ambitious journey to redecorate her home - a move some considered hasty. Despite their skepticism, she felt a profound need to transform the spaces they once shared into a serene sanctuary, symbolizing her journey into a new chapter of life. For Diane, this home redecoration was not merely an aesthetic project; it was a deeply personal quest to cultivate a space that reflected her evolving identity and the cherished memories she and her husband created together.

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.

~Alan Watts

“My husband was a professional chef and the kitchen was his domain. Consequently, it had a very dark, masculine feel to it. Actually, our whole house did and that was absolutely fine while he was here. But after he was gone and I was on my own, I felt compelled to create a bright, peaceful home environment that would nurture my soul and lift my spirits.”

Over the course of several weeks, Diane sold, gave away or donated all the things she no longer found useful or beautiful. She then redecorated using a soft palette of soothing colors adding modern fixtures, appliances and furniture.

Her adult daughter questioned the many changes Diane was making so soon after her husband’s passing. “Do you have to do everything at once?” she asked.

To which Diane responded, “Yes, I absolutely do. I’m in my 70s. I want to create a beautiful, serene home sooner rather than later and enjoy it as long as I can.”

Diane's willingness to dive into change headfirst exemplifies a philosophy echoed by the renowned thinker, Alan Watts. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance,” Watts wisely noted. As Diane embarked on transforming her home into a personal sanctuary after her husband’s passing, she embraced change wholeheartedly. In so doing, she exemplified the concept of moving with change rather than resisting it—a testament to her vibrant embrace of life.

One of Diane's secrets to a positive mindset that embraces change emerged during a recent conversation we had. In it, she disclosed a morning ritual.

"Each morning, I say, 'God, thank you for yesterday and this gift of a new day. Please show me how I can love and support those I meet today.'"

This practice undoubtedly instills in her a joyful and expectant mindset eager to serve.

The late inspirational speaker, Jim Rohn, said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” suggesting that the people you frequently interact with significantly shape your behaviors, attitudes, and habits. With her joyful countenance, sense of wonder, and unbridled enthusiasm, Diane’s presence significantly impacts all of us who know and love her. She proves that life should not dull our sparkle, but rather, it should make us shine even brighter.

Today, Diane is a regular member of our drumming circle and attends others in the area, as well. While writing this piece, I received a touching message from her:

“Bless you, Colleen, for inviting me to join you at that first drumming circle. I thought I was happy and content and I was. But, oh my God! Now I feel like my life has a new spark! I think I’ve always been kind of alive, but I think I’m becoming really alive.”

It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.

~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Colleen Kilpatrick is the Author of “Eliminate What You Tolerate”, a concise, but mighty book that has earned a 5-star rating on Amazon for helping readers identify and release what no longer serves them and make room for what lights them up. A Wellbeing Mentor, Colleen helps women discover the transformative powers of ancient and modern wisdom and selfcare practices to revitalize body, mind, and spirit naturally. You can contact Colleen at colleen@colleenkilpatrick@icloud.com or 248-762-9828.