Your Death Awaits: Make Every Day Count

You’re going to die. Yup, I said it.

No one escapes this truth, and your death is waiting, lurking in the shadows. This isn’t meant to scare you (though it should) but to awaken you.

Every moment you squander is one you’ll never get back. Are you living fully, with passion and purpose? Or are you letting life pass by, lulled into complacency by the illusion of infinite tomorrows?

As Seneca said: “This is our big mistake: to think we look forward to death. Most of death is already gone. Whatever time has passed is owned by death.”

Each day that slips by belongs to death, not to us. Once we realize this, we begin to live with urgency and intention.

Living with Clarity Through Death

Death, paradoxically, is our greatest guide. It forces us to strip away the distractions and focus on what matters most. Life isn’t an endless stretch of time... merely a brief window. Understanding that helps us prioritize our passions and relationships.

Seneca’s wisdom challenges us to stop wasting time. We can’t dwell on what’s already lost, but we can seize the moments that remain. Death isn't meant to be feared; it’s a reminder to live fully.

The Power of Misogi: Doing Hard Things

One way to embrace this philosophy is through the practice of Misogi . In ancient Japanese culture, Misogi was a ritual of purification through difficult challenges.

Today, it means taking on something so hard each year that you'll probably fail. The point isn’t success... it’s about growth.

By grinding through fear and discomfort, we come to appreciate life more. Misogi teaches us that growth happens outside of comfort, and it reminds us that life’s greatest rewards are on the other side of challenge.

When we do hard things, we confront our mortality and gain clarity on how we want to spend the time we have left.

Practical Tips for Living Fully:

1. Identify What Matters:

- Reflect on your core values and what you truly want from life. Don’t put off what’s important.

2. Take on a Misogi Challenge:

- Each year, do something really freaking hard - whether it’s physical, personal, or professional. Growth happens when you "embrace the suck".

3. Face Your Mortality:

- Start each day with the question: "If this were my last, how would I live?" Let that question shape your actions.

4. Deepen Relationships:

- Don’t wait to express your feelings. Invest in meaningful connections with the people who matter most.

5. Appreciate How Good Your Life Is:

- There are millions of people that would love to have your bad days. Next time you have one, take a look at this picture and be grateful for what you have.

Your death awaits - this is not to frighten you, but to liberate you. As Seneca said, much of death is already behind us. What remains is yours to claim. Don’t waste it. Make every moment count by living with intention, challenging yourself, and connecting deeply with others. Start now because time is ticking away.

I'll be sharing my latest Misogi in a future article...Tell me what your next one will be.