Time is Non-refundable

Maria Herman, OFLA Membership Chair 
German Teacher, Maumee High School 

Carpe diem – seize the day.  This phrase, according to Google’s dictionary, is “used to urge someone to make the most of the present time and give little thought to the future.”

If you’ve ever met me, you may know I am a fairly active person who enjoys exercise.  I heard the quote “time is non-refundable” during one of my workouts at the beginning of this school year, and it resonated with me, making me want to “seize the day.”

As teachers, we are all constantly busy, and we all want to help people.  Our desire to help others, though, can have a negative effect on our own personal health and well-being.  We often want to say yes to whatever we are asked to do. However, when we say yes to something, we are also saying no to something else.  For example, saying yes to that committee your principal asked you to be on may mean you have to say no to time spent with your family.  

For this school year, remember to choose your priorities.  Focus on what NEEDS to be done and get that done first.  Make your to-do list and schedule the time to do those important items.  Forget about those items until it’s time to work on them so that you can be truly present in every moment; truly seize the present day.  Next, take a moment to examine your to-do list and decide if there is something that can be deleted so that you can say yes to yourself – a hobby, extra sleep, or time with a family member.

Carpe diem: seize your day, your year, and don’t lose that precious work-life balance trying to seize too much! Carpe diem to me means knowing what is IMPORTANT in life and carving time out to seize those moments. Take charge of your time, seize your weekends for much needed rest and time away from schoolwork.

Now go out and create the best school year you’ve ever had!