“Pick the day. Enjoy it – to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come… The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present – and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.”
- May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993
- British
- Actress, Humanitarian, Fashion Icon, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
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Quote
“Pick the day. Enjoy it – to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come… The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present – and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.”
Explanation
In this reflective quote, Audrey Hepburn shares a personal philosophy centered on mindfulness, acceptance, and gratitude. Her advice to “pick the day” and “enjoy it—to the hilt” emphasizes the importance of embracing the present moment fully and without hesitation. Rather than striving for perfection or waiting for ideal circumstances, she encourages a deep appreciation of life as it unfolds, in real time.
The repetition of “the day as it comes. People as they come” suggests a gentle, open-hearted approach to both experience and human interaction. This is not resignation but a deliberate act of grace and presence, shaped by her experiences of loss and survival during World War II. Her reflection that “the past… has helped me appreciate the present” reveals how hardship cultivated resilience and a greater sensitivity to everyday beauty.
In modern life, where anxiety about the future often overshadows the present, Hepburn’s words offer a timely reminder to live with intention and without regret. Her refusal to let worry “spoil any of it” speaks to the power of perspective: when we choose to savor what is, rather than chase what might be, we find the essence of joy. It is a gentle call to love the moment, the people, and the life we have—exactly as they are.
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