Living Fully in the Year Ahead

I was reading a book recently and came across a Scottish proverb that made me think differently:

"Be happy while you are living, for you're dead a long time."

It’s a simple yet thought-provoking reminder of how fleeting life can be. Instead of endlessly chasing wealth, success, or fleeting pleasures, why not focus on what truly matters—enjoying the present, building memories with loved ones, and living a life of balance and happiness?

Here are three lessons to help make this year unforgettable.

1. Find Joy in the Present

Too often, we delay happiness, waiting for a future when everything is perfectly aligned. But life is happening now.

Many people live as if life were a dress rehearsal for some later date. It isn’t. In fact, no one has a guarantee they’ll be here tomorrow. Now is the only time we have and the only time we have any control over.

Instead of thinking about how money might bring happiness later, invest in moments that bring joy today—whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing a hobby, or enjoying a simple meal with loved ones.

?? Takeaway: Don’t wait for perfect circumstances. Happiness is in the moments you create today.

2. Choose Enjoyment Over Fleeting Pleasure

You’ve heard that a glass of wine is good for you and might even help you live longer. But is it really about the wine?

Think of the Mediterranean way of life. They live long, not because of the wine alone, but because of how they enjoy it—with delicious food, laughter, and meaningful conversations. The secret isn’t in the alcohol or sugar; it’s in the shared moments and connections that bring lasting happiness—and even contribute to longevity.

In contrast, modern life often pushes us toward fleeting pleasures like bingeing TV shows or endlessly scrolling social media. While these feel good in the moment, they rarely leave us fulfilled.

?? Takeaway: Focus on meaningful experiences with loved ones instead of chasing temporary satisfaction.

3. Build Relationships That Last

At the end of the day, it’s not the fancy gadgets or the zeroes in your bank account that you’ll be reminiscing about—it’s the laughter that made your stomach hurt, the silly inside jokes, and those random moments that turned into lifelong memories. These are the real treasures, and they don’t even come with a price tag!

Beer, People, and Happiness Have you ever noticed how beer ads rarely show someone drinking alone? Instead, they show friends laughing, celebrating, and enjoying life together. The joy isn’t in the product—it’s in the shared experience.

Yet, many of us miss this point. We sit on the couch with a beer, expecting the same happiness. It’s not the same. True happiness comes from shared experiences, not material things.

?? Takeaway: Prioritize building connections and creating lasting memories—they are the foundation of a fulfilling life.

Make This Year About Living Fully

It really stayed with me. Life’s too short to wait for the ‘perfect’ time to be happy. It’s all about enjoying today, making memories with the ones we care about, and finding joy in the simple things. Let’s make this year one to remember and live it to the fullest!