Today I was struck by the sentiment found in Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress” which, ironically, was published posthumously in 1681. Carpe diem then, and now. Here are the tenets: “Carpe diem is a philosophy that took hold in Europe during and after the Black Death plague (1348-1350). The population had seen so much death and destruction that some people embraced the philosophy that every day is a moment to be made the most of, whether it be to eat or to love. All of life’s pleasures are to be indulged; there is no time for waiting because tomorrow might never appear” (CourseHero). Sounds like the perfect philosophy for life after the black plague, and most certainly the days post COVID19. I think we are universally on the crest of roaring back with fervor once more!
Tag Archives: Mental Health
the waiting game
If you are like us, you spent Thanksgiving within your own household, adjusting that gloriously BIG American meal for a smaller quieter crowd, and then got real inventive with the leftovers. You did this because you really do care for our extraordinary health care professionals and brave service workers, bus drivers, police and firemen, and the caring teachers who are still manning their in-person classes. You did this because you understand science, and care about the spike in COVID cases from coast to coast and you know that you can make a difference by minimizing your close encounters of any risky kind. Right? As we cross into December, it is clearly time to take this advice to heart and get our priorities straight, if for no other reason than for this waiting game to come to a close. Collectively, can we possibly agree to call the 1.5 million worldwide deaths enough? Are you ready? Can I count on you?
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An Era of Caring
I’m not going to lie, we have seen some gorgeous days here in Vermont, and I have made sure to get out whenever possible to enjoy that special kind of joy from being surrounded by beauty. My best wish is that you are doing the same where ever you find yourself. Mostly I am joined by the wind in the leaves, the squirrels dashing amongst the undergrowth and the birds chatting about high above, but I also use my walking time to catch up on great music, and more often than not listening to one of the many podcasts I subscribe to. People have a lot to say these days, don’t they? haha, yeah, for sure me too… But this week one podcast really forced me to think deeply about the essential questions: What is our American Dream for 2020? What is our vision and our hope? What will propel us into an era of caring?
Nine Cent Girl 