I’ve written previously about how life seems to go by fast, especially when you get older. But I do think most will agree, we don’t get too bad a deal time-wise when it comes to life. A bee, for example, lives on average only 40 days, producing a tiny teaspoon of honey. We got them beat, don’t you agree?
Something to think about anyway, when looking at the cycle of life.
Back to the point of this post and the video.
I have met too many people in my life who don’t realize how slavish is their life, how they continually work, work, making money, think money, fearing the lack of money. And then they get to the end of their life with money and don’t know what to do - their lives teaching them who they are.
Money is necessary but I think we all have to be honest with ourselves about the cost. There is a price to be paid. Make sure to keep that front and center when making life decisions.
A story about life.
There was a group of male concert musicians from different countries. Being at the top of their profession, they were often invited to play at orchestras of note (pun intended) around the world.
They’d often meet up at these invites and after practice and playing, they’d have a few drinks and talk.
In their 20s and 30s, they talked about women. All the women they’ve met in their travels and which country had the best women etc …
In their 40s and 50s, they talked about luxury. Which country had the best food. The amazing hotels they stayed in. The comforts they experienced.
Now, in their 60s and 70s, they talk about all their medical ailments. What’s hurting. What operation is forthcoming. Going to the washroom 20 times a day. How they can’t do this or that anymore because of X, Y or Z hurting, not working.
And that’s the circle of life.
On this topic, highly recommend Emma Goodman’s - Was My Life Worth Living? Short, powerful read and check on the usual cultural default beliefs, we blindly follow. Also, Fromm’s - To Have or To Be?
Giving Up
There is a moment in a man’s life
when he realizes deep down in his gut
his groin, his gait
he realizes
he’ll never experience much
that life has to offer.
TV, news, radio, magazines, books, atlases, photos
airplanes, buses, the brain, our imagination
can’t take us there or anywhere
near the sum of experience.
There’s a time in your life
when sadness soaks all and
awareness becomes a chore given
there’s so much you’ll never have or know
in this big candy store.
And the only recourse once you do feel
once you do know this,
the only action, the only response
is to give up
sit down in your garden, enjoy the day’s sun
’cause you ain’t going anywhere important
in this short time, you’ve got.
Enjoy your slice, forgive yourself,
give up the guilt of not having enough
making enough, doing enough and
not owning and devouring this whole world.
Life In A Blink