“We can’t fully live if we neglect the awareness of death.
Death is the only true guarantee we have in life.”
—Nancy Salmeron
Last week as I celebrated the joyful news that my best friend would give life to a new being, my husband received the sad news that his family lost a special woman in their lives in a tragic, unexpected work-related accident. The woman was my mother-in-law’s childhood best friend of fifty-plus years. She and my mother grew up together and loved each other like sisters. This beautiful woman was full of life and laughter and an important person to many. She left behind a loving husband, two beautiful daughters ages fourteen and nineteen, and family and friends who loved her deeply. As I reflected on the new being that my best friend is carrying and the death of our family friend, I realized the importance of remembering that we are mortal. Life and death are the most evident contradictions of our existence. One more time, death reinforced for me what life is all about. It reinforced that where life begins, death will follow. It reinforced that a new life is the promise—the potential of everything that could be—and death is the end—the conclusion of that promise.
Every time death knocks on our door, we seem to get a reminder of the meaning of life, yet once a few weeks go by, we forget that we are mortal. We forget that when we don’t live our true potential, we are wasting our lives. We forget that we don’t have time on our side. We forget that our purpose in life is to live our passion and fulfill our dreams. We forget to live life in the present moment and to savor every moment. We forget that in the end what matters is the people we love and who love us. Here are four tips on how to live your best mortal life.
Remind yourself everyday that you are mortal.
If there is one thing you can bet on, it is that you will die. Remind yourself everyday that you are not going to exist for eternity, so you must live out loud! I wish you to live past one-hundred years old, but I hope you tell yourself that you may die today. When you remind yourself that your time is limited, you will soon discover that the world looks different. I want you to understand that your existence is limited, so that you get out there and accomplish all your dreams.
Fall in love with people, not things, and forgive.
Love, forgive, and love again those who fill your heart. Who do you love? Who fills your heart? Who do you need to forgive? Those individuals who remind you that without them life would become somber are the ones who fill your heart. Cherish and savor every moment you have with the people you love. Don’t take them for granted, because one day those interactions and connections will become a memory. In the end of your journey of life, you will not care about the material things you had, but about all the people whom you love and who loved you. Love people and not things.
Follow what sets your heart on fire, and discover your why.
When you seek your passion, you will stumble on your purpose. You will discover the infinite promise that brought you to this universe. You exist because of your unlimited potential to pursue your passion and to share your purpose with the world. Follow and remember that you are alive to seek happiness and to make your dreams come true.
You honor your life by living in the present moment.
Yes, seek what sets your soul on fire, fulfill your dreams and purpose, but make sure you embrace the present moment. We miss out in life when in the pursuit of happiness we forget that everything that we need to feel joy is here already. Yes, reaching your goals and living your dreams is what makes your life rewarding, but living in the present moment is the true gift. Nothing is truly guaranteed but this moment, right now. And if you enjoyed it, you have honored your life.
We can’t fully live if we neglect the awareness of death. Death is the only true guarantee we have in life. Death reminds us of our mortality. Death reminds us of what truly is important. To fully live, don’t forget that one day you will die. Always love people, not things. Live a passionate life by pursing your purpose, embracing the present moment, and believing in your dreams. Until next time, live fully, and always Believe. Change. Become.