I came across this post a few weeks ago which visually illustrates how little time we have on this planet.
As humans, we are notoriously bad at really understanding how long we might have left, especially when we are young. It feels like we have forever which causes us to use our time unwisely.
What would you do if you knew you only have a week left before you shrug off this mortal coil? Would you change anything?
If you’re anything like me I imagine you’d be thinking about living your life differently. Sorry, but you do have an expiration date. It may not be next week but it’s closer than you think. So start thinking the same way as if you have a terminal illness — and you kind of do — it’s called death, and it comes for us all.
“Alexander the Great and his mule driver both died and the same thing happened to both” - Marcus Aurelius
Death is one thing we all have in common. Even if you’re the wealthiest person in the world there is no cheating death. You can, at best, keep it at bay for a few more years than you might otherwise have had.
In western society we seem to be in denial about death, trying to run away from it; hide it from ourselves. We fear dying but it isn’t something we should be scared of, instead we should face it, contemplate it.
Being aware that we only have limited time on this planet helps to make sure we focus on the important things. Pay attention and appreciate the beauty around you every day. Savour them as if each time could be your last. Don’t leave things unsaid that need to be said.
“Life is long if you know how to use it” - Seneca
Do you want to be that person who watches hours of TV every night, gossiping about this or that celebrity or otherwise indulging in trivia? Or do you want to achieve something more meaningful with your life?
Think about the legacy you want to leave behind. If you died today, what would your obituary say? Would you be satisfied with it? What would you rather it said? Now, live that life.
Life is finite. Death comes for us all. Acknowledge it, accept it and live your life to the fullest.