23 Comments
User's avatar
Rachel Dalinka's avatar

Sometimes we need a nudge, a wake up call, to realize now is the time to turn our dreams into our reality. Cancer was my nudge. I survived and vowed that I would focus myself on achieving the goals I had dreamed of for years. I started a podcast focused on stories of people who found redemption after addiction and/or incarceration. I helped start a non-profit focused on helping people living in shelters find meaningful work. I sold my house in the burbs and moved into the city. There are more things I would like to accomplish and I am working on them! The time is now. Dig deep and confront the "not good enough" feelings and make your time in this life count! Or don't...the choice is yours.

Stoic Philosophy's avatar

I love this Rachel. Your story and words are quite powerful.

UpsilonA's avatar

Death smiles at us all,” Marcus Aurelius said, “all a man can do is smile back." And enjoy some tea.

Love it ❤️

Charles R Bladen's avatar

That's very helpful. Thank you.

DiscoveryWithGrace's avatar

You have just said it all

Jean E Ross's avatar

This reminded me of hearing someone who said "Don't die with the story still inside you."

Something for me to do something about when so much else has my attention.

Kyle's avatar

I'm new to substack and this was a really nice introduction to the app. Thanks for a good read and a poignant reminder that life is finite; it feels so redundant to say but I'm not sure we can be reminded enough of how it might feel to wake up one day on your deathbed and realize it's too late to live your dreams.

Win's avatar

People say life is short, but it's the longest thing we'll ever experience.

Mary Beth Quillin's avatar

Yes… 👏

Sarthak's avatar

Well written! Seneca on The Shortness of Life is an amazing read as well, you might like it :D

Andres Marrugo's avatar

Not only do I find this deeply useful, but also striking in how clearly it captures what it means to be fully aware—truly alive. I’ve noticed I draw more from each day when I’m fully engaged, as I am now in a senior role at my organization. In contrast, during my earlier, more operational roles, I often let time slip by without much thought.

CHANDAN GUPTA's avatar

Very true 🙏🙏🙏

Digvijay Baraiya's avatar

🧠

Julian's avatar

I love the mindset but in my opinion that’s easier said than done.

Alesei Narkevitch's avatar

Well, thats kind of a point... the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint.

Patrick Montmorency Johnson's avatar

What, please, is CVI? Other than Chronic Venous Insufficiency or Center for the Visually Impaired?

Joyce Colburn's avatar

Thank you , I am now old but very young in my intentional approach to life. Every morning , energy , motivated as if today were the last , who knows when my last breath will come but for now life is calling , so much to accomplish

Joyce colburn

Body On Loan's avatar

I found this authentic , timely and beautifully said. I began posting last week and felt it was such the reminder to let my posts breathe on their own:) Here’s to living.