Life’s too short to wear all the hats and juggle every ball. In a culture that glorifies hustle and multitasking, it’s easy to feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. Which is why I like to remind myself (and loved ones as well) of YOLO, or more specifically, my takeaway from this popular acronym. That in order to live our best lives, we need to learn to embrace our limitations and prioritize what truly matters, to treasure life’s moments, and then go live our best lives with authenticity!
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So More on YOLO
“YOLO,” short for “You Only Live Once,” has become more than just an acronym; it’s a mindset embraced by many as a call to live life to the fullest.
Popularized by social media and youth culture, this mindset encourages people to seize the moment, take risks, and pursue their passions without regret. It’s about embracing new experiences, stepping out of comfort zones, and making the most of every opportunity. While it’s often associated with spontaneity and adventure, YOLO also emphasizes the importance of making wise choices that align with one’s values and aspirations.
Ultimately, this serves as a reminder to live authentically, cherish moments, and create meaningful memories along life’s journey.
Versing
NaPoWriMo’s Day 29 prompt is to select one of the words from this list of ten words from Taylor Swift songs, and write a poem that uses the word as its title. Of the words on that list, antiethical called out to me the most, because, well, not really sure.. (Though I do love oxymorons, paradoxes, and such, which are antithesis examples after all). And realized I can incorporate my YOLO theme in here because…
Antiethical
You only live once, they say
But isn’t tomorrow another day?
YOLO is trending, I heard..
Isn’t life about second chances (and third)?
You have just one life to live, I read
And then, “Hold on! You have your whole life ahead!”
”Carpe diem!,” echoes from poets refrain
While wise ones convey, “you always can do it again.”
YOLO’s the motto, the credo, it’s on display,
But isn’t it also true that we live day by day?
So let’s embrace the here and now,
Knowing tomorrow waits with a gentle vow.
~ Vidya Tiru @ LadyInReadWrites
You Know: YOLO, So…
You Don’t Have to be Everything
You Don’t Have to Be Everything: Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves edited by Diana Whitney (Poetry | 12 – 18 years, and up)
Description: This book is filled with works by a wide range of poets who are honest, unafraid, and skilled at addressing the complex feelings of coming-of-age, offering girls a message of self-acceptance and strength, giving them permission to let go of shame and perfectionism.
My Thoughts: Stunning!
For
You are the Loveliest
You are the Loveliest written by Hans & Monique Hagen and translated by David Colmer with art by Marit Törnqvist (Poetry | 3 – 9 years, and up)
Description: Sometimes our feelings are so big, our dreams and our worries so wide, that we can’t find the words to express them. are explored by Hans and Monique Hagen in poems pitched perfectly to the children who wonder.
My thoughts: You’ll Love this!!
Y Songs and Names for You
Y is for Yash (meaning fame/glory/praise) and Yaamini (meaning night/nocturnal).
Ye Raat Bheegi Bheegi from Chori Chori (another favorite of my dad’s)
Yun Hi Chala Chal Raahi from Swades. A song that revolves around the feeling of wanderlust and the urge to explore life’s infinite possibilities. Kind of fit the YOLO theme of today! Plus, there is simply something upbeat about this song – in its tune, its lyrics, its picturization – for me.
And Now, the End of this YOLO Post
Dear reader, do let me know if you have read the book listed today? Will you attempt a poem today? Do share any book recommendations, poetry you loved or wrote, and of course, all and any thoughts on this post.
I am linking up to A-Z, Blogchatter, UBC, NaPoWriMo
And you can find all my A-Z posts (this year and previous years’ as well) here:
I love reading your poems Vidya! How true it is about YOLO. I haven’t read any of the books you mentioned but I am working on another poem but it takes me some time.
For sure you can’t do everything. There’s too much! You/I have to set priorities.
Those books sounds like they would be great reads. YOLO is so very true. Live life to the fullest and do what you have always wanted to.
I love this mindset. It really helps put into perspective that life is short and enjoy it.
Your post on YOLO is a breath of fresh air, reminding us to embrace our limitations and focus on what truly matters. I appreciate the book recommendations too, especially “You Don’t Have to Be Everything: Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves.”
I haven’t read any of the books on the list but both of them sound like they would be a relaxing read. Also, aside from the impressive poetry I come away with every time I visit your blog, I love being introduced to new (to me) music when you share old favorites!
Good thoughts on seizing the moment, and living in the present. I like the use of the term to think about living life to the fullest.
I’ve never heard of the term yolo until today. It is a great motto to live by. I try to live my days to the fullest. You never know what tomorrow will hold.
I try to live my life the best that I can be. And I don’t hold what tomorrow will bring. It is a wonderful moto to live by as well.