Carpe Diem, Y’all!

You know what I decided back in January? I was going to live this year. Not just get through it—really live it. Carpe Diem. Seize the day. For the uninitiated, that’s a fancy Latin phrase that basically says: “Don’t wait around. Do the thing.” And boy, have I done the thing(s).

Let’s back up for a second. I work from home, which means my daily radius is about 12 feet. My big outings? Grocery pickup (yes, in my pajama pants—don’t judge), cardio drumming (a sight to behold, let me tell you), and chair yoga (which mostly means stretching and hoping no one I know sees me while I’m in Downward Dog).

So, when I chose Carpe Diem as my word for 2025, I knew it would require effort. A little push. A nudge to get out of the cozy cocoon and say yes to things, even when I felt tired, cranky, overwhelmed, or just “meh.” And you know what? I did it anyway.

And it’s been FABULOUS.

I’ve wandered more of the Smokies than I have in years. I’ve gone on spontaneous drives that led to ice cream cones melting too fast in the summer sun. I’ve browsed BJ’s just for fun (spoiler alert: it’s dangerous in there—wallet, beware). I’ve sat on benches and people-watched. I’ve marveled at mountains, breathed deeply in wildflower meadows, and said yes to moments that once would’ve gotten a “maybe later.”

And then came June—ah, sweet, rebellious June.

One day, out of nowhere, I started thinking about tattoos. Me! The woman who has never once wanted one. Don’t get me wrong—I never minded if someone else got inked, but I was firmly in the “not for me” camp. Or so I thought.

But suddenly… I just wanted one. Not a big old dragon across my back or anything dramatic. Just a small, simple tattoo. And not some trendy symbol I’d regret by August. I wanted something that meant something. Something that felt like me.

And what do I love? Birds. I adore birds. I write about them, watch them, and talk to them like they’re old friends (because, let’s be honest, they are). So a bird it was.

I started asking friends who knew about these things—“Am I crazy?” (The consensus: yes, but in a good way.) My husband gave me that look. You know the one. The “Who are you and what have you done with my wife?” look. But even he eventually said, “If you really want it, do it.”

So I did.

I walked into a local tattoo shop with butterflies in my stomach and walked out with a tiny black bird on the inside of my right wrist. Just 1¼ by ¾ inches. Small. Meaningful. Mine.

And let me tell you something surprising: it didn’t even hurt! Honestly, it felt like one of our cats was lightly scratching me. And this is coming from someone who winces every time she pulls off a Band-Aid.

Now, every time I see that bird, it reminds me of what I’ve promised myself this year—and every year going forward: Don’t wait. Life doesn’t come with a rewind button. There’s no guarantee of next summer or someday. There’s only now.

So maybe for you, it’s not a tattoo. Maybe it’s taking that hike you’ve been putting off. Or calling a friend. Or planting a butterfly garden. Or singing out loud in your car with the windows down. Whatever it is—do it. Don’t let age, doubt, or someone else’s opinion stop you. Especially your own inner critic. (Mine tried. I ignored her.)

I’m 62. My son jokes that my sudden burst of spontaneity is early-onset senility. But I say it’s just finally getting it. Finally, understanding that this life is yours to shape. So why not shape it into something vibrant?

Carpe Diem, y’all. Seriously. Whether it’s exploring the Smokies, splurging on fancy cheese at BJ’s, or getting a little ink on your wrist that makes you smile every day—seize the day. Make it yours.

And if you see a short woman with binoculars, a huge grin, and a tiny bird on her wrist out in the Smoky Mountains… come say hi. I’ll probably be chasing a woodpecker with a camera and living my best life.