When you can lose a choice, you are suddenly convinced that you’ve always wanted ‘it”. There are moments in life that test our patience, perspective and priorities.
So why do we behave as if we had all the time in the world? Why do we put up with things that make us unhappy or don’t let us grow? Often, people start doing something about it only when a life event shakes them up. In medieval times, Stoics practiced “Memento Mori” – remember about dying, to remind themselves how precious and short their life is.
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius once said that “Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretense.” (whose motto is now often flattened to a mere inspirational quote print – “Live each day as if it was your last” – without giving it a deeper thought.)
The point is remind yourself that you’re going to die. And do that thing you’ve always wanted. Spend more time with your loved ones and make memories. Find the courage to being true to yourself and your values. You’ll see that life can be much more vivid and enjoyable when your authentic-self shines.
I know that I can’t afford not to.
On the other hand, I wonder how will our perception and valuing life change in the future when we’ll be able to 3D print and buy a new organ or somehow prevent aging, of especially our cognitive abilities. I bet wealth inequality and access to such services will be a major issue, but that’s too deep of a philosophical topic for this thread.
