"我们都有两次生命。第二次开始于我们意识到我们只有一次生命的时候。"

The essence of this quote is a wake-up call. It’s that pivotal moment when you realize life isn't a dress rehearsal—this is it, the one shot you get. Until that moment of realization, we often go through life somewhat detached, almost like we’re saving our real living for later. But once it hits you that this life is all you have, everything changes. It’s like flipping a switch.

Historically, this kind of sentiment has been echoed through various teachings and philosophies. Think about existentialists, for instance, who constantly remind us of the urgency of living authentically because life is finite. Or even more modern takes, like those motivational speakers who push you to live your best life now, not tomorrow.

Imagine you're in your mid-30s, working a 9-to-5 job you don’t particularly love. You’re just going through the motions, thinking you’ll find time for your passions or dreams later. Then one day, a close friend or family member gets very sick or, worse, passes away unexpectedly. That’s a gut punch. Suddenly, it’s clear: time is precious, and we can’t bank on having endless tomorrows. That stark realization is what this quote is all about. Your second life starts here.

Take Steve Jobs, for example. He often spoke about how knowing he could die soon was the most important tool for making big life choices. After being diagnosed with cancer, he didn’t waste time on things that didn’t matter. He became laser-focused on the work and relationships that meant the most to him. It’s a dramatic illustration, but it drives home the point: we don’t have forever.

So, how do you apply this? Start by really acknowledging your mortality. Not in a morbid way, but in a way that makes you prioritize what matters. Ask yourself: What would I regret not doing if I had only a year left? Write it down. Now, what’s stopping you from doing those things? Time to get real about your excuses and start acting. Maybe that means changing careers, mending a broken relationship, traveling, or even just taking up that hobby you’ve always dreamed about.

Picture this scenario: You’re sitting in your cozy living room, cup of coffee in hand, scrolling through your social media feed. You come across a post about an old high school friend who’s just climbed Mount Everest. You feel a pang of envy—it's something you’ve always wanted to do. But then you think, “Nah, I’m too busy, too old, too out of shape.” Now, flip that thought. Imagine you’re in your ‘second life’ mindset. You realize those excuses are trivial. You start researching what it would take to make that climb. Maybe you begin with local hikes, then progressively build up to more challenging treks. Before you know it, you’re planning your Everest adventure. That shift in thinking—from “I can’t” to “Why not?”—is your second life starting.

This isn’t just about big, dramatic changes. It’s about the little stuff too. Call that friend you’ve lost touch with, take up the guitar lessons you’ve been putting off, or even just spend more quality time with loved ones. Each of these actions, propelled by the realization that we only have one life, adds up to a life truly lived.

So, what’s your Everest? Whatever it is, don’t wait. Live like you’ve just realized this is the only shot you get. Because it is.