4 lines to rule them all

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Heres a visual representation of what your life looks like if you live above the statistical benchmark to the age of 80. Each square here represents one week at an average of 53 weeks per year To some this might seem morbid, but I find it fascinating, humbling. You see a box I see milestones; birth of a child. The passing of a loved one. Graduation. The first paycheck. Marriage. Happiness and sadness and everything in between all rolled into 4 lines connected together. I like to fill in each week as it passes, it serves the following purpose - acts as a reminder on how far I have to go, so I contemplate and reflect on mistakes to learn from them - helps in keeping my self aligned to my values and stick to my smaller seemingly mundane habits that will only benefit me in the long run (like staying active/ keeping relationships) - keeps me grounded on how much I do not know - a constant reminder on not to take small things too seriously as it will all eventually come to an end - lastl...

The final takeaway

Having spent years and years in the educational system and memorizing facts and figures that seemingly had no importance in life, the final takeaway has now made itself known, or maybe it was always known and I just chose to not see it.

What I mean to say, is that the schooling that we undergo, from elementary school all the way up to university, it serves to impart in us a technique with which to approach problems and challenges in life. The funny thing is that there is a lot to be learned at every turn, everyday and if we can - from waking up at 6am for 20 years - inculcated the habit of absorbing and using that information, than we will succeed in life

Because that is the difference between those people that are on the path to self determination,  and those that live life through the dictation of others

If I could leave my loved ones with one thing, it is the ability to learn how to learn. Because once they master that skill, all other skills are obtainable, and they will be, in essence, self-sustaining so they can live their lives on their own terms. 

And should not that be the end goal? the final takeaway? to live life according to ones own wishes and desires because it's too short to live it for someone else, and the future, is uncertain. 

- M 


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