We're all going to die!

It’s a fact - deal with it.  We don’t know when and we don’t know how but we know it’s going to happen.  Don’t be alarmed now!  Nothing changed.  It’s always been like that.  

We just don’t like thinking or talking about it.  I don’t suggest we do we it in a negative way but I think we must give it some thought.  Maybe you’ll prefer if I phrase it differently - live every day like it’s your last.   

I was out riding early on a Sunday morning recently.  The air was crisp and I could taste the early morning cold, exactly what you expect on a ride like that.  The city was slowly waking up, or maybe it was just getting to bed.  Either way, I enjoyed being out on the road with the lazy winter sun slowly making its way towards me from the east.  It was a beautiful experience.  The song in my ears was Rewind – a great reminder to make the most of life (you can find the lyrics here).  I changed direction towards the sun, hoping to get a little closer to the sunrays. Then north towards the capital and too soon it was time to head back home.  But I digress...     

The trouble is you think you have time (apparently Buddha didn’t say this).  To put it in perspective, you get roughly 960 months in a lifetime – that’s if you’re lucky enough to live to the age of 80.  Let’s assume that the first 6 years of your life is spent discovering and learning the basics – 72 months gone.  And then the next 12 years at school – another 144 months gone.  Of course you live during those years but it’s very dependent on external influences and not so much in your control.  Let’s also assume that during the last 10 years of life, you may not have perfect health and may be restricted in your ability to do certain activities – another 120 months gone.  Let’s tally it up: 72 + 144 + 120 = 336 and 960 – 336 = 624.           

So you have roughly 624 months to live your life.  If you are 20, you have approximately 600 months left.  If you are 30, you have 480 months left...  Not enough to waste, is it?  Maybe you’ll get a PhD, maybe you won’t.  Maybe you’ll get married and maybe you won’t.  Maybe you’ll climb mountains, run marathons and maybe you won’t.  Maybe you’ll become a captain of industry, maybe you won’t.  Whatever you do, don’t let life just happen to you. 

 

Determine the life you want and live it.  With the right mindset and a little determination, it is possible.  Have the courage to kick your procrastination habit, and any other habit that keep you from living, to the curb and start doing the things you want to do.  Set goals and start working towards them – trust me, you can do it!

 

Don’t risk living with regret. When you look back on the life you’ve had, you want memories of all the living you did, not the regret because of missed opportunities because you thought time was on your side.

Do what you can to make sure you don’t expire too soon please.  Look after yourself.  But don’t be fooled into thinking you have time.  Make the most of the life you’re given, starting today.