We’ve all heard or read the quote, “Live this day as if it’s your last.” None of us know exactly where or when we first heard or read it. Nor do we know who originated it. I figure it was created by some self-appointed sage who now creates memes for Facebook with the constant goal of a billion likes per share. Because really, think about it. Imagine that day, your last day on earth. Just imagine.
Here is how I imagine it would be like:
OMG the bucket list is incomplete. I haven’t made it to Alaska, the Mediterranean or even Newfoundland. How can I do that in a day? How can I do anything because there is so much to do? I haven’t published a second book. I haven’t got around to taking the new rug out of the box. I need to squeeze in one last paddle. And the phone calls. I need to let everyone know. I need to say goodbye. But I don’t want to upset them, but I need to say goodbye. I need to give some hugs. I need to get some hugs. And crap, I still have 287 pages left in the book I am reading.
I think I need to stop and have a glass of wine.
What a stressful mess my life would be if I lived every day as if it was my last.
… So I don’t.
I live every day of retirement as if I am going to live at least another thirty years. I ease into each day better late than never. I do a bit of yoga then enjoy a relaxing breakfast and a cup of tea while watching the birds out my window and gazing at my beautiful view, which changes constantly so I never get tired of it. By the time I am finished it is often around 11:00 AM. No panic, I have thirty years.
I don’t rush through things and check off a list. Nor do I feel guilty if nothing gets accomplished. I putt and I putt, either outside or in. I may go kayaking. I may work on a jigsaw puzzle. I occasionally make a phone call. I make plans with friends on different days. I make sure I hug them when I see them. If I’m inside, I look out the window some more. Different windows at different times of day. I watch the trees. I go for walks. I check out the garden no matter the weather. It can be snow covered and I will still check it out. Every third Thursday, I deliver books to people who can’t get out to the library. I make sure I tell my son I love him when I talk to him. I make sure we exchange hugs when we get to see each other. I have a nice meal and often a glass of wine. The Doc and I tune into some nightly entertainment. I read a bit of my book. I say goodnight.
Most days, except those that require stacking wood, cleaning toilets or other forms of necessary-but-evil labour, are relaxing and enjoyable. I never get bored and don’t feel as if I am missing out on anything important. So no thank you to living each day as if it is my last. I much rather my last day to be a surprise because I hate (pardon the pun) deadlines.
Thank you for reading.
Photo: Jason Blackeye, Unsplash.com
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I love the philosophy behind this. I do think that living every day as if it is your last and living every day as if you have thirty years can be essentially the same if you do the right things.
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It’s all about approach and attitude for sure
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Awesome Jenn, I loved it and really makes you think about what is important in life.
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Thanks. I do find that life is a lot easier when you slow down.
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The ideal part of retirement for me is the level of stress is no longer off the charts. I think you have the right attitude to not stress about little things when you’re planning on being here for at least another 30 years.
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I learned a ling time ago that I don’t manage stress well so, like you, retirement works well for me and my health
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Or maybe that is what is meant by the saying, if people really watched the bucket list they would realize the whole point of the movie was there is nothing of value in a bucket list. He went back to the love of his family and a simple life when he realized the other things didn’t matter.
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It works for me at least, but there are so many others who are constantly restless and feel like they are missing things and need a bigger life. A smaller life suits me just fine.
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I’m with you. While I understand the sentiment of not wasting time, the older I get… the slower pace is what I enjoy.
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Definitely!
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Wise words….thanks Jen!!❤️
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Thank you. Learning to appreciate the little things makes a big difference.
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I’m sure that quote will go back well before the internet! And what a beautiful sunset photo – is that from your window?
I wish I could retire!
I live my life almost the exact opposite – I’m always dashing around trying to achieve things – most mountain walks for me are target-orientated in some way – otherwise I wouldn’t do them as I’d be too lazy. Bit then I’ve always liked my work to be busy and fairly stressful too – I always chose stressful jobs and enjoyed the rush of it all and the multitasking. I would really like to retire now though and slow down at least some areas of my life. I think 65 is old enough personally – I don’t see why they want me to keep on working.
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I preferred to be busy when I was working as well, and I had a deadline-oriented job, which as times was stressful. I don’t miss that or the structure of being employed. I have finally learned how to relax and it’s working for me.
The sunset is not mine. It is a beautiful stock image. It was exactly what I was looking for.
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I won’t miss working when I finally get to retire either – I can think of loads of better stuff to do!
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I’m the queen of no-stress living so I can relate to this 100%. Although I enjoy occasional travel (stress), and have a few things I’d still like to accomplish (you have a second book to complete, I’d love to have a first 🙂 ), I also love my little routines that happily get me through each day. Great post!
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Thanks. We all do what works best for ourselves. For me, these days, it’s having no deadlines. Some things may get done. Some trips may happen. If they don’t, that’s ok.
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I was getting stressed out with your first list of last day items. Your current life sounds perfect, except you need to get that trip to Newfoundland done 😊
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Yes I would love to see Newfoundland. Right now, my husband needs new knees and isn’t very portable. Hopefully sometime in the future we will get there.
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I agree with you. I do what I can, and want, every day not worrying about doing it all. So what if I die with projects uncompleted, things not marked off my to-do lists? Who cares, I enjoyed what I enjoyed.
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Exactly. Enjoy!
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Sounds lovely! But don’t you find that people keep on asking what you do all day now that you have retired? I’m thinking of a great come back… still thinking…
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I have found that most people aren’t interested in what I am doing. Whatever the hell I want is I good reply. They expect that from me. It comes from my bitchy side. You could always tell people that you do a lot thinking. 😀
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Thanks for sharing this. I am happy living in the moment and and I am retired. Anita
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Love this! Finding joy in every day is the only way to live. Great post!
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It is the little thing that really make the difference. It is so much better than spending all one’s time anxiously waiting for big things.
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