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...
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Thought Experiment

 



I was 17 when I had my first car accident


Behind the wheel since 13, not encouraged, but not uncommon for Pakistan, it took 4 years. Rowdy boys packed into the car, music on blast, yelling a lot of noise was the recipe. And then boom


It wasn't a big accident, just a fender bender, but enough to depress me for the rest of the evening. It was a new car, how was I going to explain it to my parents


I got home and remember being super scared, sliding through the font door I found my grandfather sitting in the living room, he captured my face and asked what was wrong. Nervously, I explained what had happened


His response was simple, almost nonchalant "Things are made to be used, they get damaged and they break. It is a consequence of living"


I stopped. He was generally very had on me, so this came as a surprise


Its been a while since his passing, but to this day I sit and ponder. Each syllable was etched wisdom from his years. That was the day I truly felt he had lived a long life 


Things happen, life happens, to you and I. But it really is how we respond to it at the end of the day that determines how we feel and how we make those around us feel. And as Ive said before, people remember how you make them feel


Sure in the heat of the moment you might have a lot to say, and so its important to take a step back and maybe respond when you're more rational, to yourself and to others


A thought experiment I like to do at times is imagining myself at the age of 80, looking back at the situation I'm going through, and asking my younger self, did it matter that much in the long run? 


Usually the answer is no

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