Stoic Sunday
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.” – Seneca
Like many of Seneca's words, this passage caused much contemplation.
We die a little bit every day.
In all likelihood, I have lived more years than I will continue to live. Beyond that, and if luck draws her card, I have a decade or two in my favor.
I contemplate my mortality often, sometimes multiple times a day. I resort to thoughts of death when challenging times find me because they don't seem as daunting.
While our obligations to others and ourselves are numerous, and good times and bad times abound, knowing that every passing moment is its last can give us the courage to dwell a little on those things we can't control, or those that time has chosen to keep.
My daughter is a little over three weeks old now. She's grown so much. She's added a different type of joy to our lives. My wife and I are tired. I had a 36-hour stint of not sleeping because our dog had an infection, and our daughter needs us around the clock. I don't mention this to complain.
Somehow, even with little sleep and plenty of obligations to keep me in a perpetual state of exhaustion, I'm able to find an untethered type of joy and smile through this chapter, as well as many others that have tested my will, patience, and resolve.
I am able to live better because I know I'm dying.
It's no secret, but you are too.
Should we fear the many moments that pass us every day leading up to the ultimate moment?
It's my contention that living and dying for every moment makes the ultimate irrelevant.
Maybe it's too bold to say, but perhaps it's just another walk in the park.
With love,
Anand