It’s just this moment. Not much else matters. It is the Stoic belief that we don’t die once, in fact we die every day. Each hour that passes belongs to death. No, this is not a blog post dedicated to death or that we’ll all get there. What this blog post is focused on today is to remind me, and you, of how unpredictable life is. Furthermore, just how temporary it is. Removing death from the conversation, at any moment this might be the last time.
The last time you read your kid a bed time story because they outgrow it. The last time you work for that company because they’re shutting down or perhaps you’re moving on to something new.
Or how entrepreneur and creative directior Andrew Anabi says it, it’s one less time.
“Every time you do something that is one less time you do it. One day you will do something the final time and you will rarely know when that day comes.
For all you know, today might be the last time you walk in a particular neighborhood. Or it might be the last time you smile at a particular someone. To think otherwise, would be foolish. Nothing is guaranteed, except this moment. Your only real choice is to cherish every exchange like it is your last — because it very well might be.
Therefore, the best way to cherish life is to remind yourself of life's impermanence. It is to remember that every time you see someone that is one less time you see them. It is to remember that every time you go somewhere that is one less time you visit. By doing this, you naturally slow down. Almost like a reflex, you start to truly live."
Source: How to Cherish Life (hat tip to Gaby Goldberg) Andre Anabi
Moments just move with and are gone with the wind. Life is made up of moments, big and small. Normal and random. When you pick your kids up from school and your’re rushing to get there, remember that is one less time. When you no longer have to pick them up, you’ll miss getting to.
When you keep putting of lunch or coffee with a friend, you’re missing out on that time. Each time you say no, that is one less time to say yes. When you pick up a book, remind yourself this is just one book of a certain number that you’re able to read in your life. So, make sure the book is worth it.
The impermanence to life is not only about slowing down. Also, it’s about not settling. Not taking less or accepting less for yourself and your life than you deserve. In addition, it is about showing up. For yourself and those you love. Not waiting for someone to come in and save the day, or do the job you were created to do. Each hour, day, week, month and year that passes belongs to death. We don’t die once, we die every day. And so too do the moments we want more of. Not only is life impermanent. Things in our life are too. Like when you favorite restaurant stops serving the dish you love.
Time with your kids. Walks with someone you love. Laughs and smiles with your person. Hosting dinner for friends. Simple nights. Movie nights. Game nights. Deep conversations. Love and feeling love. Connection with another human. Your favorite cup of coffee and pastry to match.
There are millions of reasons and examples to cherish life. The key here is that you do it more often. You’ll be happier and life gets better!
Thought Provoking Questions : Today could be the last time you ___________. Are you set to cherish it if it were? What can you do to remind yourself just how temporary life is?
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read. Sharing wisdom and asking thought-provoking questions.
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