Seize the Moments

As a new mother I try to embody the phrase “Seize the day!” I would pack my day full of glorious things and arm myself with a beaming smile and a positive attitude. The day would start out great. Then, the baby would cry, it’s diaper exploded, it would not nap and I burned the cookies I was baking. I realized I stunk at seizing the day. I felt hopeless.

After an attempt of seizing a day in it’s entirety I felt exhausted and depressed. But, of course I tried it again and again until I finally felt so bad I gave up. Why couldn’t I seize the day? Well, maybe it’s just me, but the very word seize makes me think of being energetic, determined, captivated, powerful and excited; that’s exhausting! I have since had a news flash: Seizing the day is not my reality!

I much prefer the phrase “seize the moment.” I can do that! When the focus is shifted from seizing a day to seizing a moment, pressure is reduced and success is attainable. I love the feeling of success!

The fact is, life is full of stuff. There are constantly things to get done. In between the routine and daily “stuff,” there are moments. These moments are fleeting. However, these are the moments that can be seized. These are the moments that we should acknowledge and extend the energy to seize.

This morning I was sweaty from my workout and my husband had just left for work. My baby was still fast asleep snoring and my almost five-year-old was sitting sucking his thumb. A part of me wanted to hop into the shower and get ready for the day but another part of me saw a moment. There was no where we had to be. I had time…so I took the moment.

“Hey best friend, want to read our new library books together, just you and me?” His eyes lit up as he yelled, “Yeah!” We spent the next 30 minuets reading silly library books about Spiderman and dinosaurs. It was such an easy thing and yet meant so much to him. We both benefited from this moment.

Moments are everywhere. You see your child dancing around and she begs you to dance and for a moment you put down the laundry and dance like you are Julie Andrews spinning and twirling. You notice your child is out of sorts and you take the moment to pull him to the side and tell him you love him and acknowledge some of his recent achievements. In that moment, he feels important and recognized.

You find yourself creeping into the baby’s bedroom to put something away and stop and gaze at her as she sleeps. You take the moment to enjoy her beauty and suddenly you are thanking God for the multitude of blessings you had forgotten you had. Your little guy desperately wants you to tell him a story. You tucker down and recount some of your favorite childhood memories. There is no shortage in moments to be seized.

The moment might be as quick as a kiss or as long as a movie. Regardless of the length of time, the effects are lasting. These are the moments that give you the strength to move forward with the momentous activities of life. These are the moments that help you see the world around you in a new shade of beauty. These are the moments that will be your most treasured memories.

Tell yourself each morning to seize a moment, just one. Step out of your bubble of routine and schedules to seize a moment with your child, your husband, or someone you love. Not only will that moment improve your attitude, it could improve the attitudes of those around you. After seizing your moment, find time to record it in a journal, a blog, a diary or a photo. Next time you are feeling exhausted with your lot you can return to that moment over and over again.

QUESTION: What moments did you let pass you by today? What moments did you seize?

CHALLENGE: Find a way this week to look for the little moments in everyday life.  Each day, try to seize a moment with a different person.  Look for someone who may have a particular need.

About Jessica Carney

I am a Brit but now live in Colorado, USA. I am a mother, a wife, a dancer, a dreamer, a doer, a photographer, an honest friend and a devoted disciple of Christ.

I love trips to the zoo, riding the light rail, exploring mountains and my own back yard.