Don't Miss The Opportunity of Today
The year was 1921 – a time when the US formally ended World War 1 declaring peace with Germany, Babe Ruth became the home run king, Warren Harding was sworn in as the 29th President of the United States and Adolf Hitler became the Führer of the Nazi Party.
And for the Roosevelt’s, it was just another day on vacation. The 39-year-old Franklin D. Roosevelt, a then practicing attorney in New York, joined his family at their vacation home at Campobello, a Canadian island off the coast of Maine. FDR, his wife, Eleanor and his elder boys spent the morning of August 10th sailing around the island. The wind, the waves – it was always a great adventure. Breathing in the salt air while celebrating time with his family was most certainly invigorating.
Awestruck beauty – wrapped in family freedom.
When they returned, FDR and his sons raced to their favorite swimming hole – more than a mile away. More adventures – more memories. Later that afternoon, they all jumped into the Bay of Fundy together. I can only imagine their faces… the chill of the water against the enthusiastic warmth of the moment.
You’ve likely had days like that. Stepping back from what has become a busy routine to breathe in the moment. Then jumping full speed toward adventure after adventure with your kids – or friends and family. Each activity bringing new opportunities, forging new indelible memories. Where connection wasn’t just about proximity but togetherness. Where work was set aside, external influences detached and you were present.
You were present.
When were you last present? Present to embrace the day that you were gifted to experience? If you haven’t had such an opportunity – now is the time. While it is exhilarating, be prepared, it’s exhausting.
Nothing is more precious than being present in the moment.
Just like FDR, you are likely very busy. Days celebrated with your kids or family in the absence of the daily work may be few and far between. Perhaps you are burning the candle at both ends to provide opportunities for your kids, to change your family tree, to leave a legacy of service to others. Perhaps.
But perhaps it needs to be balanced with days celebrating just being together. Unwind and invest. Pour into the lives of those closest to you. It doesn’t have to be costly – just time well spent.
Laugh a little louder, run a little faster, play a little harder – and be present a bit longer.
For FDR, the events of that day held a special significance. It is said that within the coming days his ability to run, jump and play would forever be altered. He came down with a febrile illness that left him paralyzed from the chest down 3 days later. His illness was characterized by an ascending paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, facial weakness, and hypesthesia of the skin. Although diagnosed with polio, many believe that he may have had Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS).
His life would never be the same again.
No longer able to race his boys on foot. Never able to relive the adventures of that day. But certainly, able to embrace the memories.
What about you? Have you faced hardship that forever changed the trajectory of your life? The reality is that today could be that day for you. Are you living a life of significance? Have you spent time to create memories with those that matter most to you?
Life is uncertain.
We don’t know when illness or injury will change the direction of our lives. Make an impact. Never miss the chance to celebrate the moment. Carpe Diem – Seize the Day. Be intently focused on what you are doing – not for the sake of completing the task but rather having a positive impact.
After sailing around Campobello and racing his boys to jump into invigorating waters of the Bay of Fundy, FDR embraced a life he may not have chosen. Roosevelt’s survival was largely due to Eleanor’s exceptional nursing care. In time, most of the symptoms resolved, but he was left permanently paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite what he lost that day in August, FDR gained a perspective he would never lose. He faced daily adversity. He wasn’t defined by what he lost. And he wasn’t paralyzed by the crutch of illness. He persevered. He overcame.
While he attempted to minimize the optics of his physical limitations, the impact of that past illness, he was said to be,
“Not a man to pity; not a man to envy; but a man to cheer.”
Let that be said of you. Embrace everyday as a gift to celebrate life. Bring value. Find courage. Create memories. Carpe Diem.
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What do you need to embrace today that will impact tomorrow?
What do you need to let go of from the past to move forward today?