Some people's lives are like a celebration, like cherry blossoms. For others, it is ...
Where have the days of the latter gone? You tell me, because with these people, they come, they stay, and they leave without being met. School, work, family, something else... Just noise.
When the former, therefore, make the most of the days:
- Enjoying;
- And building castles.
They are not sad that it's Monday again, or that their birthday passed so quickly. They enjoy everyday life and its experiences... Like millionaires! They don't worry about nothing and are generally positive, deliberately lazy.
At the same time, they make the most of their time. They spend it not on sand (or the ashes of memories), but on building strong castles and empires. Why do you think the pyramids last so long? Because they are stronger than the Colossus of Rhodes! 1
...And the second...
Ai, I'll finish the next day. I just got a notification about something new on Facebook. What did I want to do here anyway?
...What is the difference between remembering and forgetting?
There's a reason why the former are so good at doing meaningful work, making the world a more positive place, and why they are so happy wherever they are.
They remember that they will die.
Have you ever thought about dying?
Here's a question that, if you were asked on the street, you would probably answer: "Oh no, I'm not suicidal!" But perhaps all of us are sometimes drawn to thoughts about the meaning of life. 2 About life, what we have achieved through itthe inevitability of old age, and so on.
...But do you often remember death?
What? Scary? Somehow stupid? Negative and unpleasant?
That's why you should think about death more often.
So many days, months and years of running away from this inevitable stage of life. The deaths of your grandparents, pets, friends or parents have reminded you, but still you have not listened...
...And now you are surprised that you do not understand yourself?
Death brings out the best in you.
Sometimes, though, and worst of all, some psychopaths remember this and start grabbing even more power, or trying to turn their children into ideal dancers, singers or similar toys.
But often the best is determination take steps towards a healthier life Link , re-establish relations with relatives, inspiration fulfil that old dream or create something that will inspire others.
I, for one, remind myself of death every day.
I have a poster in my room with 52 columns and 80 rows of squares. Weeks that I will spend until the end. I also have a funny skull-shaped mask downstairs.
My friend Simas Balčiūnas also reminds himself of death every day. Almost every time he takes a shower, washes his hands or gets ready in the morning! He has 130 circles tattooed on his arm - one for every hundred and thirty years of his life. 3
And you can join us.
A poster of your life.
The poster showing the weeks before death is really more of a reminder than a reminder that everything will disappear. It's a reminder that you're still alive - that you have the chance to do what you've longed to do.
Only by remembering that you are still radiating Qi and other vital energies can you squeeze the most enjoyment and meaning out of your days!
Here's your poster!
Download the poster in pdf format!
- Poster designed by Eglė Uleckienė (fb). Thank her!
It can be printed in any size from A4 to A0. 4 The larger squares will allow you to write down what you experienced during the week. In the smaller one, you can colour in or cross out the squares.
After all, nothing shows where a rattlesnake's head is better than its rattling tail. In our case, it's our old friend Death.
This is a poster for your home wall.
It doesn't need to be hung in a very visible place - just a wall will do. Just a hallway. You don't need to show it to your guests - it's important that you know: your time is ticking away.
Hang it on the wall and enjoy. Enjoy what you have experienced and enjoy being alive! Remember death and join me.
P.S Thanks to one of my favourite authors, Tim Urban, for the idea. He'll tell you what else you can do with the poster (and there will be trips into your past!).
One of the wonders of the world that collapsed in an earthquake. I think it's quite a beautiful metaphor - the great wealth and appearance needed to build the sculpture did not save the simpler pyramids that still stand today.↩
This is probably the most hated question among philosophers. Or favourite.↩
He has a bigger goal than I do - he wants to pass the 100-year mark with the help of modern technology. Let's see how he does and I wish him luck!↩
I printed in A1 format in a student printing house near KTU. I chose a simple drawing printer and paper; it cost about €4. I have space for a few words in the squares.↩