“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
― Steve Jobs
Contemplate Death
Throughout my journey, I learned to keep perspective.
This means knowing that I am never alone.
No matter what I am going through; someone else has also experienced it.
More importantly, that person conquered that same challenge and became better because of it. And to realize the gravity of my situation, I contemplate death.
It’s not to be morbid but to remind me how precious life is.
There are others in the world who are fighting for their last breath. I cannot squander it away with useless worrying. Instead, I can focus on taking responsibility and creating the life I want.
Death is a destination everyone shares. We entered and will leave the world the same way.
How I choose to live between birth and death is what makes my path different.
Despite external pressures from society, parents, and friends, I have the ability to walk my unique trail, a life true to me. Ultimately, I’m the decision-maker of how I want to live my life.
“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
Forge Lasting Connections
Relationships matter.
Give without any expectation in return.
However, don’t be taken advantage of.
This means investing in relationships that are mutual and reciprocal.
They play a key role in my happiness.
As a part of the filtering process, I let go of incompatible relationships.
And those who remain are worth my time.
I realize that if I’m important in others’ lives, they will make time for me.
Hence, I’ve learned to trust people’s actions, not their words.
That’s because their actions always speak priority.
And for those who aren’t aware of this important area of life. We’re not compatible together.
There’s no right or wrong.
I realize some people are only meant to stay for certain parts of my life, and not the complete duration.
Regardless of how long their stay was, I’m grateful for the memories and lessons I’ve learned from them.
I’m thankful for those who chose to be in my life and those who I will encounter in the future.
Since relationships require time and effort to be healthy and functional, I invest in them by adding value to my network regularly.
This may simply mean checking in with them to see how they’re doing. Other engagements may include meeting up with them for a hike.
It’s important that I speak their “love language” to make them feel appreciated and cared for.
“The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.”
― Les Brown
Choose Courage
I remember coming across a powerful article called “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying,” which were the following:
- The courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
- I didn’t work so hard.
- The courage to express my feelings.
- I had stayed in touch with my friends.
- I let myself be happier.
After reading it, I took the time to analyze my life. In my head, I imagined myself lying on my deathbed. Reflecting back, I asked myself:
“How do I want to live my life?”
The answer was clear.
- I want to be empty of regrets.
- I want to have lived a fun life with unforgettable memories.
- I want to be remembered as a caring person.
To achieve the above, I had to practice courage.
And by choosing growth, I get inspired by thinking about the person I get to be on the other side after moving through resistance.
There is this stronger version of myself.
Only through taking action despite fear, can I become who I truly want and aspire to be. Since then, I have reverse-engineered my life to practice choosing courage over fear.
Closing Thoughts
Fear is something we all have, and it is meant to keep us safe. However, to grow and live your best life, courage is mandatory.
It’s not in the absence of fear, but in acting despite it.
Along your journey, make time for those you care about and vice versa. These mutual and reciprocal relationships are quintessential to your well-being and evolution.
Treasure them.
To keep yourself aligned, ask yourself often these questions:
- “What do I truly want?”
- “What matters most to me?”
- “How do I want to live my life?”
Let your answers guide your priorities.
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