Why I’m Now Living With Greater Urgency

….and you should too.

I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a tough few weeks. In particular, the recent deaths of a couple of people I’ve known for awhile felt like being doused with a bucket of cold water. Out of my slumber, it has reawakened me to the ephemeral nature of life and how fleeting it can be. 

For me, their absence echoes with the urgency of a life not to be squandered, a call to pursue my highest aims, hopes, and aspirations with renewed vigor.

Life, as the Greek philosopher Seneca so poignantly writes in his essay "On the Shortness of Life," is not inherently short. Rather, it’s our careless disregard for time that makes it seem so. 

We fritter away our days on trivial pursuits, preoccupied with the mundane, while the truly meaningful moments slip through our fingers like grains of sand. 

"It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it," Seneca reminds us. 

And so, in the face of loss, I find myself compelled to seize the present, to live fully, without regret.

These deaths have stirred within me a sense of urgency that can no longer be ignored. Their lives, though vibrant and full, ended too soon, leaving behind dreams unfulfilled and words left unsaid. 

This realization has ignited a flame within me, a determination to live without hesitation, to pursue my passions with unwavering commitment. There is no time to waste, no room for procrastination. Life must be lived now, in this very moment.

Seneca's wisdom offers a path forward, a guide to reclaiming the time we so often squander. He emphasizes the value of living in the present and making time for philosophy, for deep thought and reflection. 

These practices extend our lives, not in years, but in the richness of experience and the depth of understanding. To live meaningfully is to embrace the moment, to be fully present and engaged, free from the distractions of the past and the anxieties of the future.

In the wake of my friends' passing, I have begun to practice daily self-reflection, setting aside time each evening to review my day. This simple act of contemplation helps me identify areas where I have wasted time and guides me towards more meaningful pursuits. 

I am focused more deeply on the present moment, engaging fully with the task at hand, whether it is a conversation with a loved one, a piece of writing, or a walk in nature. By living in the now, I honor the time I have and make the most of every precious second.

I have also embraced the practice of "premeditatio malorum," visualizing potential obstacles and planning how to handle them. This preparation keeps me focused and resilient, avoiding the pitfalls of distraction and wasted effort.

Then there are the immediate rewards I’ve created for long-term goals, maintaining motivation and preventing procrastination. These small incentives keep me moving forward, always striving towards my highest aspirations.

Contemplating mortality has long been a daily practice, a reminder of the finite nature of life and the urgency to use time wisely. This awareness deepens my appreciation for the present moment, allowing me to savor experiences fully. 

It clarifies my values and goals, guiding me towards what truly matters and away from the trivial. It motivates me to take action on important goals now, rather than putting them off for an uncertain future.

In this journey of urgency, I have learned to be selective about my commitments, avoiding unnecessary obligations that drain my time and energy. I keep a time log to track my activities, increasing awareness of how I spend my time and revealing areas of waste. I set clear priorities, focusing on what truly matters and delegating or eliminating less important tasks.

Regular breaks and proper rest have become essential, allowing me to recharge and work more effectively. Reflecting on my past mistakes provides clarity on how to live better going forward, transforming regret into wisdom. I nurture important relationships, recognizing that our time with loved ones is finite and should be cherished.

Seneca's teachings remind us that life, though fleeting, can be deeply meaningful if we choose to live with purpose and presence. By embracing the urgency of life, inspired by the loss of my friends, I strive to live fully, with no time to waste and no regrets to burden my heart.

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