Realising Life Is Short

• Sense of Urgency: Believing that life is short can create a sense of urgency to pursue our goals, take risks, and make the most of every moment. This can lead to a greater focus on achieving personal and professional aspirations and doing it immediately. It can inspire us and hasten our impulse to live with greater passion, purpose, and intentionality, guiding our behavior and shaping our thinking in profound ways. It can serve as a powerful reminder that we need to live authentically now! and make the most of the time we have.
  

• Heightened Awareness of Mortality: We can become acutely aware of our own mortality and impermanence in this world. This awareness can be unsettling and may trigger intense fear or preoccupation with death, leading to persistent anxiety and intrusive thoughts about one's own mortality or that of loved ones. For some, confronting the inevitability of death can exacerbate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair, potentially contributing to depressive symptoms.

• Appreciation of Time: We might value our time more and prioritize activities and relationships that bring us joy and fulfillment. This can lead to more meaningful experiences and deeper connections with others. We might also realise how to better spend our time. When we become aware that our time is finite, we may regret wasting precious moments on trivial matters, distractions, or activities that didn't align with our values or bring us fulfillment. Hours of social media and tv binging might be behind us as we find ways to use our time with intent and purpose in the pursuit of life experience.
  

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Some of us might experience anxiety or stress due to a fear of missing out on opportunities or life experiences that others have. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or a constant need to be busy and productive. Constantly seeking out new experiences to avoid missing out can lead to decreased satisfaction with our current circumstances. We may struggle to appreciate and enjoy the present moment because we're always looking for the next best thing.
  

• Regrets: For some of us, the realisation that life is short can arouse feelings of regret about missed opportunities or choices we’ve made in the past. It can amplify buried regrets about not pursuing our dreams or goals. When we confront the reality of our limited time, we may regret not having taken more risks or seizing opportunities to pursue what truly matters to us. We may also regret actions or decisions that hurt or disappointed the ones we love, wishing we’d been more compassionate, understanding, or present in their lives.

• Existential Anxiety:  The awareness of our limited time can create pressure to find meaning and purpose in life before it's too late. "What's the meaning of life?"  "Why am I here?" We may feel compelled to search for existential answers or to make significant life changes in an effort to find fulfillment and meaning in the time we have left. We may be forced to confront the apparent insignificance of our existence in this ginormous universe. Sadly, this may in some cases lead us to experience feelings of hopelessness, despair, or emotional turmoil as we confront the realities of life and death.

• Increased Risk-Taking Behaviours: Believing that life is short can lead some of us to engage in risky behaviors or impulsive decision-making in an attempt to maximize our experiences and avoid regrets. Some examples would be engaging in extreme sports where we seek an adrenaline rush and push ourselves to our limits. Impulsive decision making can take place where we don’t consider the consequences of our actions. This might be quitting our job, or making risky financial investments in the hope of attaining financial freedom in a short amount of time. Some might turn to drugs or alcohol to seek temporary pleasure or excitement, even though this has potential risks. Promiscuous behaviour (eg. infidelity, unsafe sex etc) can also occur without concern for the consequences.  Those in committed relationships might suddenly seek out other partners to broaden their sexual experiences. Some might avoid responsibilities or long term commitments as they prioritize their immediate desires and pleasures.

It's important to note that while taking risks can sometimes lead to positive outcomes and personal growth, engaging in reckless behavior without considering the potential consequences can also result in harm to ourselves or others.

• Motivation to Prioritize Relationships: Recognizing the shortness of life can motivate us to prioritize our relationships with loved ones and invest time and effort into nurturing these connections. Having a powerful reminder of the fragility and preciousness of life, prompts us to value and connect more deeply with those we care about. By focusing less on the quantity of social connections and more on the quality of our relationships, we may prioritize investing our time in deep, meaningful relationships with a select few people who enrich our lives and bring us joy. 

• Acceptance and Mindfulness: Some of us may use the realisation of life’s briefness to develop our acceptance and mindfulness skills, focusing on living in the present moment and finding contentment in everyday experiences. If life is short we are encouraged to savor the experiences, sensations, and beauty of the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. We might learn how to slow down and savor the experiences life has to offer, whether it's enjoying a coffee, taking a walk in nature, or spending time with those we love. By using acceptance and mindfulness we can cultivate a more non-judgmental awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, developing greater clarity, presence, and inner peace. We become less attached to material possessions, status, or external achievements. We become less concerned with conforming to societal expectations or seeking external validation, and instead we can focus on pursuing what truly matters to us.

Overall, the belief that life is short can have complex psychological implications on how we live the remainder of our lives. It can influence how we perceive and approach various aspects of day to day living and our level of satisfaction with the time that is remaining. We need to reflect on our thoughts and behaviours to make sure that, if life is short, we are taking care of ourselves, our loved ones, and that we are living in a way that aligns with our values. 

In The End:

If life is short, it becomes vital that we live our best life, embracing each day with purpose and intentionality. This means prioritizing what truly matters to us, whether it's pursuing our passions, nurturing meaningful relationships, or contributing to the well-being of others and society. It means seizing opportunities for growth and personal development, stepping out of our comfort zones, and embracing new experiences with open arms. Living our best life involves cultivating gratitude for the present moment, savoring the beauty and wonder of everyday experiences, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. It also requires us to accept that life isn’t permanent. We need to let go of our regrets, forgive past mistakes, and focus on creating a future filled with purpose, fulfillment, and authentic connection. Ultimately, living our best life means honoring the precious gift of time we've been given and making the most of every moment, knowing that each day is a chance to live with passion, meaning, and joy.

Life is short. Live it well.

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