Your guide to a healthier perspective of life
We’re all dying – whether it’s slowly or quickly. We all have an expiration date. But we can help delay that date and prolong our lives by improving ourselves daily. We can eat better, exercise regularly, read more, become more resilient, less stressed, etc, etc.
What are you doing today to grow yourself?
“Memento mori” means that “remember, you will die.” It helps to keep things in perspective. Some people hate the idea of death and try to avoid thinking about it (whether it’s their own death or others’)…but we should all contemplate death. It is inevitable. No matter how rich or poor you are, your life will eventually come to an end. When it does, how do you want to be remembered? Make sure that you act in accordance to this and don’t forget it.
One last thing – make sure that if others are depending on your salary that you set up a will and get life insurance. You never know if you’re going to get hit by a bus, get cancer, etc. When you do die (especially early or unexpectedly), it will already be an incredibly difficult time for your loved ones. Please don’t make it even harder for them by burdening them financially or not setting up a clear will, which often leads to infighting with those you love the most.
“It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.” – Anne Sexton.
My dad was a great man. I would say so and I believe that many other people would say so too. My dad passed away when I was just 28 years old, 4 months away from me becoming a first time father myself. He taught me many things in the 28 years that I was by his side. I attribute who I am today because of the values that my mother and father instilled in me from a young age. I will always remember him as one of the greatest men that I’ve ever known.
This brings me to my thought of the day, which is to not take your time with loved ones for granted. Whether it’s your mom, dad, sister, brother, husband, wife, children, friends, or extended family – it doesn’t matter what their title is. Try to see them whenever you can. Try to do things with them. Make memories. If we outlive our loved ones, the only thing we have left are the memories we made with them.
If you can’t spend time with them regularly, reach out to them. Call them just to have a conversation and catch up. You’ll never regret making time for the ones you love, and you never know how long they will be in your life.
Lastly, try to express to them how much they mean to you. It can feel weird and vulnerable, but it will be worth it. If you pass away before them, they will know how you felt about them (and vice versa). It’s comforting, even though they are not with you anymore.
So that’s today’s thought of the day. I hope it inspires you to become more connected with others and not take your time for granted with them. I also hope that it makes you want to take action. Because the decisions you make on how you spend your time each day will determine how many memories you can make with others.