What Lights you Up?

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary!” 

~ Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society

Remember this famous movie quote?  A boarding school English teacher, played by Robin Williams, is urging his young students to make the most of their lives. The full phrase, “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero,” translates to “pluck” the day — and to enjoy it now because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

So, with brighter days on the horizon, we wanted to ask you: What lights you up? What stirs your soul? Because feeling alive is more than just living. We want to know not only what makes you smile, but what makes you feel truly alive? What is it that you are passionate about?

For some, it’s walking. Getting out in the sunshine and experiencing nature can “move” you in several ways. For example, according to the Mayo Clinic, a regular brisk walk can help you:

• Maintain a healthy weight while strengthening your bones and muscles
• Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
• Improve your mood, your balance and your coordination

For others, a passion might be singing, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s with a group or alone in the shower! The Barbershop Harmony Society “sings” the praises of the benefits of singing:

• Releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel energized and uplifted. 
• Gives the lungs a workout, while toning the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. 
• Makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well.  

Some folks are passionate about learning. When you learn something new you are exercising your brain. Research shows that can help:

• Improve cognitive functions such as concentration, attention to detail, memory recall and problem solving.
• Reduce the chance of developing dementia.
• Increase your mental wellbeing and overall happiness.

Remember, you can’t have passion without action. Unfortunately, over the past year, complacency has become the norm and comfort zones are where we stay. We forget that true joy comes from the inside — and getting outside of your comfort zone can make the difference between surviving and thriving. If you’re not sure what your passions are, use this Joy List to find out! 

Then let us know what yours are!