Memento Mori

In ancient times, Stoics and other philosophers have contemplated death as a consistent practice. They ultimately understood that death should be used as a motivator for life. To fully embrace each day. It's hard to understand why we are afraid of death.  I believe it’s often because we are unfulfilled and feel unfinished. We are Restless because we know we could have, should have, and would have made great use of more  time.  Use your time wisely and do the things you want to do, the activities that make you jump out of bed, the things that make you love life the most.  Do these things today. There is no guarantee of tomorrow, no wishful promise of future days. Contemplate your existence, your meaning, and ask if you feel afraid of death or if you are simply unfinished with life.

 

It's summer again before you know it

As humans we often forget what it feels like to hurt, to be sick.  Years after trauma we forget how unbearable, excruciating, and persistent pain can be. We often take for granted what it is to be healthy. When we are unwell we would give almost anything to feel good again. When we are unwell it seems almost impossible to think of a time when we felt good. Whether it be through lifestyle choices or unforeseen circumstances, the sick would trade places with us in a heartbeat. As living, relatively healthy humans, we need to be more thankful, grateful, and always do our best. 

 

'Tis but a scratch!

We often forget about the inevitability of death and are only reminded from the loss of a loved one, friend,  or role model.  Even the ones who we believe are the most Immortal, the pop stars, actors and parents, are truly reminded of death's inevitability. There is no promise of Tomorrow.

 

So now I’ve reminded you all of the certainty of the great unknown, what are you meant to do? The choice is yours. Personally, I have used it as a reminder to do exactly the things I should have always been doing. I want to create, to engage with friends and family on a more consistent basis, to explore the world, and understand the rich history in my own backyard. I’ve also done what the great stoics used to do. I’ve left a reminder of death near me. A Memento Mori. This helps to frame my thoughts as it used to with the Stoics. If I was dying, if I was sick, would this really matter? This small argument with a friend, a change of work, a leap of faith, how much do the consequences matter? Am I grateful enough for the things I have. Can I give more back? I’m trying to find what is important to me.

 

Maybe living forever could be fun

Ironically it is those that have found true happiness in life, who are the most comfortable with death. What makes a great life?  Is it a legacy left behind? Is it implementing large-scale positive social change? Is it impacting your closest 10 friends and family the best you could?  There is no answer.  This answer is simply as you choose it to be.  But ensure you have thought about it. Ensure you are unafraid to be alive. You don’t need to know what you want to do with your life. You do need to know what you want to get out of today.