The clock never stops ticking—no matter what we do. The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening. One day, each of us will be gone. That’s one of life’s few certainties.
With that in mind, we should treat every day as a gift. Once time passes, we can’t get it back. The average human life lasts about 31,000 days. What will you do with yours?
Will you waste it on petty arguments with strangers online? Will you hold on to that grudge? Will you keep feeling envious of others? Or will you move past the arguments, the grudges, and the envy—and finally start living your life?
Life is about meaningful experiences—with the people who bring us joy, or with nature itself. It’s not about convincing strangers to live by your values. That’s a waste of time. The truth is, not everyone will see the world the way you do—and that’s okay. Don’t waste your energy arguing or trying to change them. Be curious. Be understanding.
Some people are rude and obnoxious. Let them be. You don’t have to let their actions affect your peace by pulling you into arguments or drama. Many of us waste precious time on distractions like these—often because we haven’t yet figured out who we are.
That’s why self-discovery is so important.
As Ryan Holiday said:
“Life is very short. Too short for silly arguments, too short for beating your head against the wall, too short to try to understand things that don’t matter, that are not asking to be understood by you. Leave them alone. Focus on what you have to do. Don’t get implicated in ugliness.”
Start by trying new things. Write about how you feel. Meditate. These are small but powerful ways to discover who you are and what you love. Keep an open mind. Don’t dismiss something just because it doesn’t “seem like you.” Listen to the people who want to help you—and learn to ignore the naysayers. (Easier said than done, I know.)
But go out there and live. Don’t get sucked into petty distractions.
Time is ticking.
Take care.