live for the now and not yet
December 8th 2008 00:37
What would you do if you found out you only had a year to live? How would you spend your time?
My father died when he was 56 and even before that, he was 'dying' for 10 years. In the back of my mind, I've never wanted to leave 'living' till I retire, just in case early death is hereditary.
The answer to the question of how to live your life when time may be short, is complex and confronting. I want to see the world. I want to enjoy time with my family. I want to make a difference - leave a legacy. But how does all that play out amongst the detritus of life? It's hard to make every day count when the washing basket is overflowing, your children are fighting over the remote and the Aussie dollar is sliding faster than bald tyres on black ice.
Australia is one of the most work-obsessed countries in the world. Apparently we work longer hours than most other developed countries and yet, no-one ever includes work in their list of things to do in the last year of life. It's as if we have all become trapped on an endless airport travelator and can't find the exit.
About this time of year, we start to think about New Year's resolutions. What will I do this year that could reduce the discrepancy between what I say is important to me and how I actually live?
In 2009, in fact, right now, I'm going to start living as if this is my last year on earth. That way, I can always feel I've lived my life without regret.
My father died when he was 56 and even before that, he was 'dying' for 10 years. In the back of my mind, I've never wanted to leave 'living' till I retire, just in case early death is hereditary.
The answer to the question of how to live your life when time may be short, is complex and confronting. I want to see the world. I want to enjoy time with my family. I want to make a difference - leave a legacy. But how does all that play out amongst the detritus of life? It's hard to make every day count when the washing basket is overflowing, your children are fighting over the remote and the Aussie dollar is sliding faster than bald tyres on black ice.
Australia is one of the most work-obsessed countries in the world. Apparently we work longer hours than most other developed countries and yet, no-one ever includes work in their list of things to do in the last year of life. It's as if we have all become trapped on an endless airport travelator and can't find the exit.
About this time of year, we start to think about New Year's resolutions. What will I do this year that could reduce the discrepancy between what I say is important to me and how I actually live?
In 2009, in fact, right now, I'm going to start living as if this is my last year on earth. That way, I can always feel I've lived my life without regret.
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