This post is not as morbid as the title may allude to, but more of a necessary and realistic reflection on life. I’m 23 now, almost a quarter of my life has passed (fingers crossed I’ll make it to at least 100), and with each day and year that goes by, time is becoming more precious to me. I realize the imminence of death and that, truly, our time here is short.
Many of us (myself included) save things for the future – tasks to be completed tomorrow, shiny toys that we’ll open and use later, or dreams that we put off until the time is right. But why not now? Although you likely won’t die tomorrow and can push things off, one day, that won’t hold true. Would you have put your life on hold too much to have enjoyed it while you lived?
This topic has been on my mind lately, perhaps influenced by all the premature deaths happening in the world, from both natural and violent causes. As I’m reflecting, the reality of death is sinking in, and I realize my actions are not aligning with my values. I’ve made many excuses to push off my dreams, to follow along the easier path society has paved for us. But if I didn’t live intentionally now, when would I start?
I feel that many of us risk squandering life, putting things off because we feel as if time were infinite. That we are invincible until we are smacked with the truth in our elder years. By then, it won’t be too late, but the majority of our lives will have gone by. There may be opportunities that have passed, that won’t come around again.
This daily reminder is largely motivated by my fear of misliving, and the regret that will ensue. I would feel disappointed for holding out on a dream, without giving myself the chance to actualize it. Thus, I’m constantly having conversations with myself to check in and question whether I’m still on my right path.
To be satisfied at the end of your life, you need to live for yourself. That is a choice you have to make and a direction to constantly reorient towards.
Death surrounds us. Yet, most of us are still waiting to live.
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