Often when I hear people talk, I suddenly think they are going to die, and it makes me listen to them differently.
I see them reduced to what they are, to what we all are, and I want to strip them of their theatrics, to ask them why they fret, why they take themselves so seriously, why they put on such airs.
I want to tell them what is truly essential for them. I love that subtle, fleeting moment when people waver, surrender, when they shed their clothes, their performance: all the masks fall away and, finally, they say true things.
— Françoise Sagan
Death teaches us how to live: honoring life, honoring our elders
Life is a precious journey, a tapestry woven from moments, experiences, and relationships. Yet it’s often the confrontation with our own finitude — or that of our loved ones — that pushes us to truly appreciate its value.
Why wait for a shock, an illness, or an accident to realize what really matters? Wisdom gently whispers that we don’t need to wait for a dramatic event to start living fully.
Living fully means being present. It’s about savoring the moment, embracing both laughter and tears, and daring to be truly ourselves. It’s about letting go of the burdens of the insignificant, and focusing on what nourishes our soul. It’s saying “I love you” when we feel it, forgiving, and reconnecting with what really matters.
Ultimately, it’s about embracing life without regrets — not waiting until time forces us to do so.
Not forgetting them: a legacy of gratitude
This awakening doesn’t stop with ourselves. It extends to those who paved our path, brought us into this world, and helped guide our steps. Our elders are the guardians of our story, the roots of our family tree. They gave without counting the cost — often sacrificing their own dreams for the sake of ours. Parents, grandparents, mentors: these are the figures who shaped us.
Yet in the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to push them to the background, to let them fade into a lonely and quiet end. Caring for them isn’t an obligation — it’s an act of deep gratitude and love. It’s the least we can do in return for the care they once gave us. A phone call, a visit, a shared meal — these simple gestures are priceless. They remind our elders that they are still loved, still alive in the hearts of the community, and that they have not been forgotten.
Finitude teaches authenticity
Becoming aware of our finitude opens our eyes to the urgency of living and speaking from the heart. It invites us to see beyond appearances, to listen to the soul of others, and to express ourselves with sincerity.
At the same time, it reminds us of our responsibility toward the younger generations. It is up to us to pass on what we’ve lived, the morals of our lessons, and the meaning behind our trials. By sharing these truths, we don’t ask them to follow in our footsteps — but to fulfill their own destiny. This is a heart-to-heart transmission — a legacy of life passed from one generation to the next.
Live without waiting
In the end, death is not something to fear — it is a mirror that reveals the importance of life. It reminds us to act now. To live passionately, to love without holding back, and to never forget those who gave us everything.
Let us make this awareness a daily habit. Let’s act today to honor the life we have — and the lives that made ours possible.
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