The Rest Is A Bonus
“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what's left and live it properly.”
—Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
Imagine for a moment that the life you've lived up to now is over; every action and decision is set in stone, unchangeable.
This thought exercise isn't meant to be morbid—rather, it offers a stark, liberating clarity.
By considering your life as already lived, you're free from the pull of past mistakes and the weight of 'what ifs.' You stand at a threshold, with the remainder of your time as a blank page.
The question is, how will you choose to fill it? Will you tread familiar paths, or seize this moment to live with more intention, carving out a legacy of wisdom and virtue?
When you wake up, think of the day ahead as a unique opportunity to live properly—to be present, to act with kindness, and reflect on your choices. Can you approach your tasks with renewed vigour, or treat others with a deeper sense of compassion, as if it were your second chance at today?
Consider the areas where change feels overdue. Maybe it's the patience you show to a difficult coworker or the gratitude you express at home. Remember, what's left of your life is precious and finite.
Use this perspective as a guide: live each day as if you've been granted a chance to correct course and embody the virtues that truly matter.