This is not a post about how I already died. It is not a post about death at all really. It is more a post about life. You see, we often think of death, if we do at all, as something that is far away. This is a fool’s errand. For the arrival of death is one of the most uncertain aspects of life. It is also what gives life its meaning. The less we ponder death, or live like we have an unending contract with life, we fail to have much meaning in our life.
This quote by Seneca highlights another important aspect of death. It goes to show us how many little deaths we experience throughout our life. Every second of life is like sand through an hourglass. Once it is through, it has passed for good. As an example, let me tell you about the evening I had, and am continuing to have tonight. It began with a nice romantic morning with the love of my life. We went shopping, had a nice homemade breakfast. After which I picked up my mother. We shopped at the grocery store, Trader Joe’s, and went for coffee. All these events were wonderful. They now belong to the past. That is why it is so important to remain present and soak in the moments we have. Before you know it, they are over. In essence, they have died.
You may be thinking, “Neil, you could have breakfast with Margie or coffee and shopping with your mom again.” This is quite true, but it will be a different and new moment. There also exists the possibility that it may not happen again. Once again that uncertainty of life. When you fully understand and appreciate this fact, you will treat each moment like the miracle it is. Even now, I am writing this at home as Margie works on the house. Moments at home with her are precious, even if we are separately occupied. This exact moment will never come again.
In your own life, understand each moment has a life of its own. When it is over, that moment is dead and gone. You can reflect upon it, but you can never go back in time to relive it. Please be present and enjoy life to the fulllest.
