Inaugural Edition

Introduction

As you read these words, the seconds of your life continue to tick away.

Each second that passes is one that you will never experience again.

Now, take a moment to ponder this reality.

While it may seem unconventional to begin a newsletter with such a somber thought, I really want to emphasize the fleeting nature that is our existence.

This realization inspired the name of this newsletter, “Memento Mori”, which is a Latin phrase that translates to “Remember you must die.”

As I’ve come to learn, when you meditate on your own impermanence, you realize how little time you have to waste. Then, you start to prioritize your time and focus on what truly matters in your life.

Here’s my favorite quote from the late Steve Jobs that drives this message home:

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."

My goal with “Memento Mori Monday” is to help you gain a deeper appreciation for life by embracing its fleeting nature, and above all, using this understanding to make the most out of each day you’re alive and capable.

This newsletter is meant to help you develop a better relationship with time and use it to live with more presence, purpose, and intention.

As Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, once said: “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”

What to Expect

Every Monday, I’ll be serving up a mix of thought-provoking articles, fascinating historical perspectives, practical tips, and inspiring stories.

Here's a taste of what you can expect:

1. ?? Timeless Teachings: I’ll delve into the works of philosophers, poets, and great thinkers throughout history who have offered guidance on the art of living a full life, with a particular focus on the importance of keeping our mortality in mind.
2. ?? Life Hacks: Practical tips and techniques to help you make the most out of each day - including cultivating mindfulness and prioritizing how you spend your time.
3. ?? Global Perspectives: A look at how different cultures and traditions around the world have approached the concept of “Memento Mori”, offering a rich tapestry of insights and practices to help you live more intentionally.
4. ?? Personal Stories: Real-life accounts from subscribers about how embracing “Memento Mori” has transformed their lives, hopefully lending inspiration and support in your journey.

Who Am I?

For those who don’t know me in real life, my name is Thomas Echezabal.

Aside from lots of consonants in my last name, I’m a pretty simple guy.

I like to spend my time reading, listening to podcasts, going on walks, and hitting the gym.

I’m 27 years old and have worked as a freelance marketer/consultant for the past five years, which has allowed me to travel the world (20 countries and counting) while working from my laptop.

The point of this section isn’t to talk about myself or boast about my accomplishments; it’s to explain why I started this newsletter and what it means to me.

Very few people know I’ve suffered from general anxiety disorder for most of my life. In college, it developed into severe depression and panic attacks after the death of my grandmother. Thankfully, I was able to overcome it with time and with the support of friends and family.

Last year, the anxiety disorder manifested as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder for those that don’t know). I tried to deal with it the best I could until I noticed it was affecting my day-to-day productivity. It was then that I decided to seek out a professional therapist to help me manage my symptoms.

Working with my therapist allowed me to gain a better understanding of anxiety and OCD, including their triggers and the best ways to reduce their effects. This exploration led me to adopt meditation as a daily practice to lower my anxiety and train myself to be more present day-to-day.

Meditating every day has completely changed my life. It’s allowed me to gain introspection and appreciate the limited time I have here on this Earth.

It’s my hope this newsletter inspires you to meditate daily and reflect on how you’re spending each day, remembering it could very well be your last.

I’ll end this newsletter edition with another favorite quote from Steve Jobs:

"I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'no' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

Below is the link to watch Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement speech. Whenever I feel lost or lack motivation, I always go back to this video:

What’s Next?

You can expect the next editions of “Memento Mori Monday” to reach your inbox every Monday.

If you'd like to receive this newsletter via email and earn prizes for referring your friends/colleagues, please sign up using this link: https://www.mementomorimonday.com

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