The clock is ticking, but there is still time.

I now fully appreciate my own mortality.

When I was younger, each coming decade seemed an age away, until it wasn’t.

Years went by in a flash, but I was forever young in mind, although the body sometimes reminded me otherwise.

I had no true sense of the finite nature of our existence.

Without labouring the point, until I had seen and felt ‘the other side’, I had no real awareness of time ticking away.

Life feels like we are always learning and growing, so the idea of ageing takes a while to really land. I saw grey hairs and creaking joints, but no sign of actual death. And I certainly didn’t spend any time thinking about my own death. It all just seemed like something that was so far away.

Acknowledging the clock

That has all changed.

It may sound a little morose, but I now spend time thinking about my death. 

It scares me, it makes me feel sad for my children, but at the same time, it has sharpened my resolve in a number of ways, which I’ll come on to.

The most important lesson to take away is that there is a genuine clock and it’s ticking away for all of us.

I don’t suggest you need to start counting down the days or crossing off the weeks from your calendar, but I do want you to appreciate that in an undefined number of years, your days here doing things are up.

Something is going to put an end to your time on earth, and you will leave a legacy of some kind. Of what kind is up to you.

Whilst you must let this sink in, it's crucial that you understand that as long as you are here, there is still time.

“Until death, it's all life”

There is still time

As my old mate Cervantes said above, until death, it’s all life.

Now we’ve established that the clock is ticking, the next thing to do is appreciate its cadence.

Life seems quick. From one appointment to another. One birthday, Christmas and anniversary to the next.

It merely seems fast when you don’t keep track. When one thing bounces into another.

Ever heard or seen an advert or piece of content for ‘30 day trial’ or ‘30 day fitness programme’ and envisage something that takes too long to try? Too long to put up with. Too long to wait.

Because there is a defined start and an end, it seems like a long time, but 30 days will pass whether you are on the fitness programme or not. 30 days is going to happen, whether you filled in the form or not.

My point is: Don’t let life’s opportunities pass you by.

You have ample time to do everything.

Our ancestors discovered continents, built pyramids, erected stone circles and more recently landed on the moon.

There is time to do whatever you want, but you have to do it.

Sharpen your resolve

There is nothing to do but live. How you choose to live is what matters.

In my case, these are the things I set out to do.

Improve my physical self

To feel better physically and mentally. I spent years being run down, tired, hungover, jaded and running on empty. Maybe a contributing factor to my brain bleed, who knows, but I don’t want to spend any more time feeling like that.

Feel clean

Feeling clean, sharp, refreshed and clear-headed is like a drug to me now. It feels like a suit of armour. I am taller, more present and ready to do things when I feel like this.

Play more

With my children, with my wife, with my friends and generally in life. Whether it’s games, jokes, or building something without a reason, play has added something to my life in the form of pure enjoyment.

Take in nature 

A recurring theme amongst my musings. Trees have become a link between me and nature. Their unmoving yet remarkable existence provides a constant reminder of life on earth.

I set out each day to appreciate these things when on a walk or even just looking out of my window.

Live in the now.

The past has gone. The future is unknown, so let’s not spend the time in either, let’s spend it here and now.

I won’t get this day again. This chance to take in what is around me and what the day will deliver is a one-time deal. Tomorrow brings something else, but for now, I’m here.