I just want to drop by and thank you for turning my day around (for the better) with this newsletter. I tend to find that this sort of thinking leads me towards nihilism (and the accompanying anxiety and depression), so I've had to tone it down a bit (and instead focus on living in the present), but I so thoroughly enjoy your content and the way you explore the world. It's always a nice reminder that there are other humans out there having a lot of the same thoughts and experiences. We're all just in this together trying to figure out what we're doing here and how to make the most of it. Reading through your thought processes is a genuine joy.
On my desk is my Rolodex with cards dating back 40 or more years. I never remove a card when someone dies; I like searching for something and having a moment of reflection and remembrance when I stumble across someone from my past.
I like the concept “Live as if it’s your last decade, instead of live as if it’s your last day.” I never understood the last day thing. I would imagine that on my last day I’ll be very ill and bed ridden, perhaps incoherent. That doesn’t sound like something to aspire to.
Practicing awareness of expiring dovetails nicely with Existential’s life is empty and meaningless, as long as you include that it doesn't mean anything that it doesn't mean anything. It doesn't change the end but might free up some of the trip, not that that's meaningful 😉
As a Catholic, I'm heading into Advent which is the beginning of the new liturgical year, but also has a focus on end times. In church this week, the priest spoke about what we would be doing if we knew the exact moment of our death which caught my attention. And then your email came today which is like another pan over the head saying, wake up and get living. (Maybe not a pan over the head since that would be the opposite of wake up, but it would certainly get my attention beforeI dropped to the floor!) So I'm going to be spending some time this week and during the Advent season thinking about mortality but in a way to inspire living. I'm also going to avoid falling pans.
Thanks AJ! Your posts are always thought provoking, but this one was particularly meaningful to me, especially right now. Live every decade as though it were your last!
After reading Burkeman’s “4000 weeks”, I started a practice of “counting down” before I go to sleep. This was based on us reaching an average age of 80. One month ago I decided for a reset and now count down how many weeks until I achieve 90 years of age, right before I fall asleep.
The book is a Trojan horse. I started it thinking I’d get some great time management ideas, and, well, I’ll say no more other than work productivity was the last thing on my mind by page 3.
Whatever is happening is supposed to happen and I will enjoy it as long as I can. Please join me
I just want to drop by and thank you for turning my day around (for the better) with this newsletter. I tend to find that this sort of thinking leads me towards nihilism (and the accompanying anxiety and depression), so I've had to tone it down a bit (and instead focus on living in the present), but I so thoroughly enjoy your content and the way you explore the world. It's always a nice reminder that there are other humans out there having a lot of the same thoughts and experiences. We're all just in this together trying to figure out what we're doing here and how to make the most of it. Reading through your thought processes is a genuine joy.
Thank YOU for turning MY day around. What a lovely note from a fellow person just trying to figure out what we're doing here.
On my desk is my Rolodex with cards dating back 40 or more years. I never remove a card when someone dies; I like searching for something and having a moment of reflection and remembrance when I stumble across someone from my past.
I like the concept “Live as if it’s your last decade, instead of live as if it’s your last day.” I never understood the last day thing. I would imagine that on my last day I’ll be very ill and bed ridden, perhaps incoherent. That doesn’t sound like something to aspire to.
I so agree. Thinking about my last day sends me into a panic instead of into a state of wisdom.
Practicing awareness of expiring dovetails nicely with Existential’s life is empty and meaningless, as long as you include that it doesn't mean anything that it doesn't mean anything. It doesn't change the end but might free up some of the trip, not that that's meaningful 😉
Excellent and meaningful (but meaningless) points.
As a Catholic, I'm heading into Advent which is the beginning of the new liturgical year, but also has a focus on end times. In church this week, the priest spoke about what we would be doing if we knew the exact moment of our death which caught my attention. And then your email came today which is like another pan over the head saying, wake up and get living. (Maybe not a pan over the head since that would be the opposite of wake up, but it would certainly get my attention beforeI dropped to the floor!) So I'm going to be spending some time this week and during the Advent season thinking about mortality but in a way to inspire living. I'm also going to avoid falling pans.
Thank you Kate! Fascinating that it dovetails with what the priest spoke about. I hope the pan I provided is a soft pan, like a Nerf pan.
Thanks AJ! Your posts are always thought provoking, but this one was particularly meaningful to me, especially right now. Live every decade as though it were your last!
Thank you Tony!
AJ, tell me the truth-have you eaten rutabagas ever? If so, how were they prepared?
Your Colorado cousin,
Linda
Ha! Hello my Colorado cousin. I don't believe I've ever eaten rutabagas, and certainly not chocolate-covered ones. What about you?
See also: “valar morghulis” from Game of Thrones. :)
I didn't know about that variant. Glad to see the idea represented in all languages, including fictional ones
After reading Burkeman’s “4000 weeks”, I started a practice of “counting down” before I go to sleep. This was based on us reaching an average age of 80. One month ago I decided for a reset and now count down how many weeks until I achieve 90 years of age, right before I fall asleep.
Oh, that's good. I've been meaning to read that book. Thanks for the inspiration, now I'm going to finally do it.
The book is a Trojan horse. I started it thinking I’d get some great time management ideas, and, well, I’ll say no more other than work productivity was the last thing on my mind by page 3.