Many have seen the masterpiece of a film called Dead Poets Society from 1989, which portrays young boys’ experiences at a boarding school. Robin Williams, who plays Mr. Keating, teaches his students poetry and delivers the legendary speech about living an extraordinary life and Carpe Diem, which literally means “seize the day” in Latin. But what does it mean to seize the day?

In the film, Robin Williams explains it through his character, but what about today? Is it still clear in the modern world what it means to seize the day? And what does it mean to live an extraordinary life? We must first define what is ordinary. A life where nothing happens beyond the usual, where one chooses the familiar and safe path. An ordinary life is marked by routine to such an extent that the personality and everything unique about a person disappears, and one simply fills a role in society.

This does not mean that it is bad to fill a role in society, but to lose oneself completely, to go on autopilot and lose connection with who one is - that is to live an ordinary life. And that is what we try to avoid.

Does living an extraordinary life mean one has to go skydiving or declare their love with flowers and a boombox outside their beloved’s window? For some, yes. But an extraordinary life for us is having something - no matter what (big or small, physical or mental) - that one can immerse oneself in, that one is interested in. Something that can be a thought or idea one plays with.

Far too many move through life without stopping to feel what is going on inside and around them. They don’t necessarily need to know what they’re experiencing or be able to put it into words, but as long as they feel within them, we believe they are living an extraordinary life.

Because sometimes one can’t help but follow the feelings and inner patterns that arise within. The idiosyncrasies that makes us unique as individuals. And that is where life happens, and that is where all the fantastic possibilities arise.

With social media and constant stimulation and updates on each other’s lives - how do we dive into our own lives and seize life and the day as it is: right in front of us, instead of on our screens? To seize the day, for us, is to live the day to its full potential.

Not to cheat oneself with shortcuts or take the easy way out. No, it is about being yourself without apology and being who you want to be in a world where resistance to what is different is a daily observation. To seize the day is to live life despite the inner fear that can hold us back from the full potential we all carry within us.

What does that mean in practice? How does one live their day to its full potential? It can be writing this article, it can be giving someone a compliment on the street. Living the day’s potential is individual and depends on what one’s heart is calling for. That which one longs for and deeply wishes to do, but does not dare - either out of fear of being judged as strange, or simply because one cannot see a reason to do it.

But there are many reasons why it is important not to deny oneself these experiences. Because if it comes from a place of love, it will not only affect the recipient (if there is one) positively, but also, like a butterfly effect, influence the recipient’s future interactions. And it cannot be underestimated what it does for oneself when one begins to follow the calling of the heart, and the desires of the soul.

It is about living each day with its full potential. That does not mean that every day has to be extreme. No, because the potential changes. Some days the potential is reading a book on the couch and relaxing to good music. Some days a unique opportunity arises, presenting itself, which you must seize in life’s moment - the now. And it is in these moments you must make a choice - will you let yourself be ruled by fear, or will you live life where you dare?

It requires practice, and it requires courage. But what life gives in return are invaluable treasures. Treasures that inspires you, gives you joy, adventure, challenges, and progress. It gives you the feeling of full autonomy over your life, and a return to the place where you belong: with yourself. Soon you acquire a taste for more. You become a student of life, and even though you may have to force yourself to start over again and again, these experiences will lead to a whole person.

Does all this mean you should say yes to every experience or idea that comes your way? No, because some days are reserved for yourself - to digest life as it is. It’s about listening to your heart and your gut feeling. And above all, not acting from, or being a slave to fear or anxiety. To do it despite.

It’s not about being unafraid - it’s about doing it despite this anxiety that can arise. Because on the other side, you will find friendships, love, and adventure.

If you follow your heart, you will find your like-minded people, instead of those who also hide from their fear, in the shadow of their anxiety.

So stand tall and smile at the world. Because you will find that the world smiles back.

“Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Don’t be resigned to that. Break out!” – Mr. Keating