Live each day like it’s your last

Last weekend I got to briefly hang out with a fun guy while I was out with friends. We had spent some good quality time together previously and I really enjoyed our conversations and his energy. We made plans to grab brunch soon with friends when our schedules were less busy. Five days later, I found out on Facebook that he had died from complications from cardiac arrest.

I was saddened about his passing, painfully aware that we weren’t going to have opportunities to grab a bite, have a beer, or see our buddy’s band Princess play again. It seems like I’m spending a lot of time this week focusing on how important our friendships and relationships are in fulfilling our lives. I’m catching up with some people I haven’t seen in a while and pushing to make some new connections with people that I’ve chatted with about grabbing coffee.

What are we waiting for? Is there ever a perfect time when we have absolutely nothing going on? Why do we procrastinate on doing things that we could do sooner than later? How do we enjoy life and connections with others if we don’t make the effort and devote the time to make things happen? When are we going to move beyond putting off those things we talk about doing?

There are times where we think we have all the time in the world to accomplish goals, forge relationships, and create a wonderful life. Unfortunately, we don’t always see approaching difficulties or catastrophes. Life can become quite rough – suddenly and without warning. Death and loss is a normal part of our lives and it can come up when we least expect it. Many times, we don’t think that these situations are looming until they happen.

Considering our own mortality is something that almost everyone does, but I think it can be more important and impactful to consider what we are going to do while we are alive and how we want to spend our time. Focus on how to enjoy our lives and the people living around us while forming strong and exciting friendships. This can enrich our lives much more than fixating on the inevitability of death.

Although thoughts of mortality may stress us out, many of us consider ourselves already stressed and overwhelmed with other aspects of being alive. We can fixate on past situations, dreaming about how the future will be so much better than our current reality, or feel that our present-day issues keep us stifled. This stress can keep us from living a life we love living, and stifle efforts feel fulfilled and excited.

Our lives are in a constant state of trying to balance our focus on the past, present and future. Any of these can take too much of our concentration and energy. When this happens, we risk getting caught in one of them and losing focus on the other two that give us wisdom, motivation and fulfillment. I know finding balance in anything is easier said than done. Living in the moment, thinking about what is behind and in front of you, and being grateful for everything fantastic in your life can help to keep you focused on what you are going to do to keep moving in a positive direction.

Remember, life truly is for the living. Be careful not to take it for granted because it can change in a heartbeat. It doesn’t matter if you are putting off scheduling brunch, hanging out, or making out. Don’t wait until you don’t have the opportunity to do something to wish that you had done it. Remember that each moment is important, meaningful, and precious.