How often do we stop to consider the number of days we have left in this world? It’s a thought that often lurks in the back of our minds but rarely takes center stage. The truth is, that our time on this planet is finite, and every day brings us one step closer to our final sunset.
Sunsets are proof that endings can often be beautiful too.
Beau Taplin
In a country like ours, South-Africa, the average life expectancy is not overly inspiring. Woman live on average to 63, and men reach a dismal 59. And as a reference for some worldwide data, use this link for a global view: https://www.worlddata.info/life-expectancy.php
Let’s start by doing a simple exercise. Take a moment to think about your age. Now, grab a calculator and deduct your age from the life expectancy above. Multiply that with 365. That number represents the approximate number of sunsets you have left in a statistical average. It’s a striking reminder of the preciousness of time.
For instance, if you’re a 35 years old man in SA, that is 8760 days, and if like me, you increase that age to 44, the rapid descend becomes clearly visible at 5475 days… Just over 5000 sunsets to go, statistically. And in any regard, probably so many opportunities for growth, self-improvement, and meaningful living, before the inevitable decline of age takes it toll, and your moments to make impactful difference turns into porch stories and reminiscent talks with your close-to-hearts.
Daily Show or Daily Slow
Each day is a blank page in the story book of your life, waiting for you to write and show your sunset your committed journey to better, or give another excuse for the slow responsibility and neglect to yourself. The idea of showing your sunsets your day is tied into the strong Stoic habits of meditation and reflection. Using a Stoic journal as a meditative, pensive and growth tool, and writing your story for inspiration, drives motivation, and berates wasteful time spent. In the spirit of knowledge sharing and enablement, I have created a free to use Journal and Personal Development Plan word doc to use as a template for your own journal and maybe the start of your story. You can download it here:
In keeping with the times, why not try an online journal. I am using Diarium, a cross platform available online journal, simple, made for purpose app, with easy templates creation. You can also use the templates in the Stoic Journal doc as a guide for templates in this app, making it even easier to go online. There is a small fee associated with the app, but far less than a typical branded or specialized journal in book form, and it even has convenient reminders. I sound like a salesman here, but I gain no monetary value, just your Better Than Yesterday investment in yourself. Alternatively, here are some of those expensive options of online available journals in book form, Stoic guided, and simple journal.
Start small. Set achievable daily goals that push you to become better than you were yesterday. It could be as simple as reading a chapter of a book, practicing a new skill, or reaching out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. The cumulative effect of these daily efforts is profound.
Better than Yesterday
Imagine waking up each morning with a commitment to being better than you were the day before. This mantra can be a powerful driver of personal growth. Whether it’s improving your physical fitness, honing your professional skills, or deepening your emotional intelligence, incremental progress adds up over time.
Create a personal growth plan that includes specific, measurable, and attainable goals. The Stoic Journal Doc also has a personal development plan, so feel free to use and share. Break down larger aspirations into smaller, manageable steps. By consistently taking those steps, you’ll inch closer to your best self with each passing day. Add it to your journal as a tracker, and show your sunset how you are growing.
Wasting the Sunsets of opportunity
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, drifting through routines without purpose, and chasing the next paycheck. But when you recognize the finite nature of your time, you become more mindful of how you spend it.
We must use time as a tool, not as a couch.
John F. Kennedy
Make a list of your values, passions, and priorities. Are you aligning your daily actions with these principles? If not, it’s time to reevaluate and make conscious choices. Redirect your energy toward pursuits that bring you fulfillment, joy, and a sense of purpose.
Thankful reflections in sunset glares
A daily practice of gratitude can transform your perspective on life. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. It could be the warmth of the sun on your face as it settles in for the night, the laughter of a loved one, or the opportunities that each day presents.
Gratitude not only enhances your well-being but also encourages you to make the most of every moment. When you’re thankful for what you have, you’re more likely to seek growth, share kindness, and embrace the richness of life.
Sharing a sundowner
One of life’s greatest treasures is the relationships we build. Don’t let your final sunset approach without nurturing the bonds that matter most. Reach out to friends, family, and loved ones. Share your thoughts, dreams, and experiences. Create memories that will linger long after your final sunset. A sundowner with a loved one, moments of eternity captured by the days last life giving rays, and a promise of memory for tomorrow. Create ample time and sunsets for the rejuvenation of your soul, a downtime period of friendship, laughter and re-connection is as critical as growth. Life will run out, sunsets will come, but today friend, today is special, and shared, it is yours forever.
Embrace daily growth, strive to be better than yesterday, and ensure your sunsets are spent in meaningful moments. Live your life with purpose and gratitude, for in doing so, you paint a vivid and lasting portrait of your time on Earth. Sunsets for all are inevitable, the aspirations left until then will remain but dreams, unless you chase it like a final, liberating, movie script worthy memoir. A sunset so magical, it rips inspirational memory filled tears from the missed dawns of tomorrow, and gives a lasting legacy.
Amor fati
