Making life count: you only have 1 to live ✍️
As I approach my 45th birthday (next year!), I’ve found myself reflecting more deeply on life, its fleeting nature, and the choices we make along the way. Up until recently, I moved through life with joy and little worry, embracing each day as it came. Yet now, with age, there’s a growing awareness of the inevitable—that life isn’t endless.
It’s not an easy topic to think about. Moments like reading about history with my children or hearing news of someone’s passing have caused me to pause. The realization that one day my story will also come to an end is unsettling and, at times, makes my stomach turn. Yet, this awareness is a powerful teacher, reminding me to make the most of the time I have.
The Shift in Perspective
This shift in mindset has changed how I approach life. I’ve become more focused on doing things that truly matter or serve a meaningful purpose. One thing has become abundantly clear: I can’t do it all, read it all, or experience it all.
With this in mind, I’ve started assessing my actions and priorities through a new lens:
- Does this serve my identity?
- Will I be proud of this or remember it in 20 years?
Asking these questions has helped me let go of activities that no longer align with who I want to be. I’ve cut down on apps and habits that were driven by maintaining streaks or earning daily rewards—things I did out of routine but no longer found meaningful.
Purposeful Time
Time feels more precious now than ever, especially as a parent. My children have their own busy schedules filled with after-school activities, and my own responsibilities are countless. This limited time means I want to spend it purposefully. I don’t want to look back in regret, realizing I spent my days on autopilot or chasing trivial pursuits.
Instead, I’ve started to focus on being present and doing the things I want to do and make me happy. Whether it’s engaging fully in a conversation, enjoying a moment with my family, or simply pausing to appreciate life, I’ve learned that being in the now is one of the best ways to honour the time I have.
Embracing the Journey
This awareness of life’s finiteness doesn’t mean living in fear of the future. Instead, it’s about finding joy and purpose in the journey. It’s about aligning actions with values, cherishing the moments that matter, and letting go of what doesn’t serve us.
We all face this journey in our own way. For me, almost turning 45 has been a wake-up call to live more intentionally, to focus on what brings meaning, and to ensure that my time is spent building a life I’ll look back on with pride and gratitude.
You Only Have One Life
To make your life count, remember that you only have one. So, enjoy it and live it to the fullest. There’s no need to continue doing something that keeps you unhappy. Do what makes you happy and brings you fulfilment.
Life is too short to settle for anything less. Make it count!