There’s a timeless phrase that often resonates deeply within me:
“The trouble is, you think you have time.”
This simple yet profound statement acts as a constant reminder and a catalyst for prioritizing what truly matters in my life. It’s a stark truth – we frequently misplace our priorities, largely because we operate under the illusion of boundless time.
In our fast-paced world, filled with endless distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of the preciousness of each day. We often forget that time is finite.
Imagine approaching each day with the full awareness that time is indeed short, that nothing in this life is permanent, and that tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone.
Consider this: if you were given the stark reality of having only one year left to live, And What Would You Do differently?
This isn’t a question meant to evoke negativity, but rather to serve as a powerful lens, helping us to sharply focus on our true priorities. Take a moment to genuinely contemplate this question and answer it honestly.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, it’s easy to become consumed by minor details, losing sight of the bigger picture. When this happens, we often find ourselves investing time and energy in pursuits that, in the grand scheme of life, hold little real significance.
This is precisely why the question above possesses such transformative power. It resonates deeply because it instantly reshapes and refines our perspective. It’s a question that serves as an immediate course correction, bringing clarity to what truly deserves our attention.
Therefore, I believe it would be beneficial for all of us to revisit this question today:
If this were your last year to live, would your concerns revolve around accumulating material possessions, or would you instead focus on building a lasting legacy, nurturing meaningful relationships, and creating rich experiences with those you cherish?
This is a crucial reflection because life, in its reality, passes by in a fleeting instant. Everything can shift in the blink of an eye. Milestones arrive and then fade into memory. Children grow up, families evolve, people relocate, and careers conclude. Our physical bodies naturally slow down. Before we realize it, we’re left contemplating, “Have I truly lived a life of purpose and meaning?”
While my own life is likely to extend beyond this year – though the future remains uncertain – a significant chapter of my life is undeniably drawing to a close. In just two months, our youngest daughter will graduate high school. Within six months, both of my children will embark on their own independent paths, no longer residing at home. While my bond as their father and my wife Kim’s role as their mother will endure, the daily landscape of our parenting will fundamentally transform.
Even if this isn’t my final year, a defining season of my life is ending.
As the saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.” And I find myself pondering the essential question: “Have I lived this season well?”
The question, “If you knew this was your last year to live, how would you live differently? And what would you do?”, is profoundly important. It’s a question we should ask ourselves frequently, because its truth might be closer than we imagine. It consistently guides us to refine our goals and passions.
If This Were Your Last Year, And What Would You Do…
Redo Your Kitchen Countertops?
While keeping up with the latest home trends can be enjoyable, and kitchen renovations might increase property value, if you only had one year remaining, would enhancing your home’s appeal for a future buyer truly be your priority for time and resources?
Alt Text: A bright, modern kitchen countertop with minimalist decor, emphasizing clean lines and a clutter-free space, representing home renovation.
Buy a Brand New Car?
Perhaps a more dependable vehicle would indeed be necessary for your final year. However, in considering this choice, you might find profound truth in Harvey Mackay’s wisdom: “If you can afford a fancy car, you can make more of an impact driving an ordinary one.” And what would you do with the extra resources?
Alt Text: A gleaming, vintage car parked on a scenic road, symbolizing material possessions and choices in transportation.
Binge Watch Another Series on Netflix?
Time spent on mobile games or binge-watching shows would quickly be recognized as time misspent. You would likely strive to replace those passive hours with meaningful conversations and experiences. And what would you do with that reclaimed time?
Alt Text: Silhouette of a person engrossed in watching television in a darkened room, representing passive entertainment and time consumption.
Spend More Time at the Office?
Diligence in work is commendable, but when it compromises our well-being or time with loved ones, it’s crucial to reassess our priorities. And what would you do to rebalance your life?
Alt Text: A modern, minimalist office workspace with a clean desk and computer, symbolizing career focus and professional environment.
Chase After the Latest Gadgets?
In our constantly evolving technological landscape, the allure of the newest device or tech innovation is strong. But if you had only a year left, I wonder how much more we would prioritize genuine human connection and interaction instead. And what would you do to foster those connections?
Alt Text: An array of modern technological gadgets including a smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds, representing consumerism and technological pursuits.
Obsess Over Social Media Status?
Social media can consume significant portions of our time. While social platforms can be used to share updates during challenging times, it’s rare to see individuals spending their final days preoccupied with social media. It suggests there are far more significant matters that take precedence. And what would you do instead of focusing on online validation?
Alt Text: A collection of popular social media application icons arranged in a grid, representing social media engagement and online presence.
Engage in Unnecessary Arguments?
Disagreements and conflicts are inherent to life, but how many truly hold lasting importance? If our time was limited to a single year, how many conflicts would seem trivial or pointless, especially when weighed against the value of unity, harmony, love, and understanding? And what would you do to cultivate peace and understanding?
Alt Text: A stylized depiction of two figures arguing with aggressive gestures, symbolizing conflict and interpersonal disagreement.
Put Off Apologies or Reconciliations?
Knowing our time was finite would highlight the critical importance of mending broken relationships. Holding onto pride or resentment often loses all meaning when confronted with life’s limited nature. And what would you do to heal and reconcile?
Alt Text: Close-up of two hands clasped in a handshake, symbolizing reconciliation, agreement, and mending relationships.
Certainly, considering the long-term is wise. Saving for retirement, investing in personal and professional growth, prioritizing our health, and strategic long-term planning are all valuable endeavors. I am not arguing against making prudent decisions.
However, the poignant reminder of life’s brevity should inspire us to live each day with intention and purpose. Life’s unpredictable nature is not a cause for fear, but a powerful call to action.
So, how should we respond? It begins with making small, intentional choices. Decluttering our lives of distractions – whether they are excessive possessions, trivial entertainment, unnecessary commitments, or the relentless pursuit of wealth – creates space and energy to engage in activities that truly enrich our lives.
If this were your last year, you would likely prioritize nurturing relationships, pursuing your passions, dedicating yourself to meaningful activities, and giving generously of your time, resources, and talents to those you wish to bless. And what would you do to embody these values?
These are all actions we can take each and every day – regardless of the number of days we have left.
