I recently heard someone discussing a documentary they'd seen about the history of our planet. To illustrate mankind's relationship to the overall existence of the earth the filmmaker framed time as walking from San Diego to New York City, or 14.6 million steps. Our history would span a mere 3 steps out the Empire State Building. (And remember, that's just the planet earth. It's not even taking into account the infinite number of galaxies) In any event, it's a very humbling explanation.
As far as I can tell, there are two ways to interpret this information. We can either be discouraged, or liberated. We can feel insignificant, that what we do is trivial, and that we're a mere speck of dust just passing by.
OR, we can learn to not take ourselves so seriously and allow the fact we won't be here very long to propel us to do the things we find important. The latter seems like a much more appealing option.
Actor and producer Keanu Reeves once said, "You're doing to die. Make stuff." Having a close, but healthy relationship with your own mortality can drive you to see, learn, listen, and say the things you feel are of value. Mortality can teach us the importance of being bold, but not reckless and learning to go to the fear.
When you truly appreciate your time's finite nature you begin to protect it in a way you never have before. An awakening to your potential arises, you suddenly feel less fatigued, and you find creative ways to "make each day a masterpiece."
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