Not sure how this happened but on 11-7 I reached a new chronological milestone. Whoever said that time flies was well informed. Of course the author was the Roman poet, Vergil (Virgil) who wrote that “Tempus fugit” or time flees. I took several years of Latin in high school, never could figure out the sentence structure but the phrase is actually fugit irreparable Tempus or “it escapes, irretrievable time”. The phrase is used in Latin and English forms as a proverb that “time’s a wasting”. In the Latin sense the phrase is an admonition against sloth and procrastination. Carpe diem is the advice of the original phrase for example “gather ye rosebuds while ye may”. Our English useage is more descriptive: like “time flies” or “time flies when you are having fun.” Virgil died in 19 BC in Italy but his work lives on over 2000 years later.
As I progress toward the fourth quarter of life I am finding it useful to invest more time on reflection and prioritization. I am not feeling like I need to go into two minute drill mode but there is no assurance how much time is ahead. I have a clear focus on my family and friends.
My daughters are keeping me young. On my birthday our trainer was delighted to dream up 11 reps on each of 7 challenging exercises and have us do them 7 times. I survived. Tonight I was escorted by the girls to the annual Warren Miller ski movie. It is the first sure sign that ski season is upon us. I love the event and this year was more meaningful as they went back in time with Warren, yes for 67 years he has produced his ski movie. If you love skiing and the people you meet around the sport-see this picture. I highly recommend skiing as a way to stay young and get the most from a winter’s day with your family, friends, and now for me with Hank. Warren narrates a few portions this year and he suggests as the audience looks down a rather daunting slope “if you don’t do it this year you’ll be one year older when you do.” Excellent advice for all of us whether it is the call you need to make or the card or letter to someone you admire or owe a debt of gratitude.
Not all of us will be able to leave a legacy like Warren Miller, Virgil, Shakespeare, Lincoln, Edison, Einstein, Mother Theresa, Gandi, Cecil Andrus, or Bob Hope. I am thinking it will be good if we each leave with a clear conscience and a “thanks for the memories.”
Carpe diem. Make the most of your time. Mike