"La muerte es un despojo de todo lo que no eres tú."

Death, at its core, peels away everything that isn't truly us. It's like shedding the layers of an onion, leaving behind only the essence of who we are. This idea digs deep into the concept of identity and what truly makes us who we are.

Historically, this notion can be tied to various philosophical and spiritual traditions. For instance, in Buddhism, the idea of ego and the many masks we wear throughout our lives are considered illusions. When we die, these illusions dissolve, and what's left is our true self. This perspective has been echoed by thinkers and philosophers throughout time as they grapple with the nature of existence and what lies beyond.

Let’s bring this down to earth with a concrete example. Imagine a woman named Sarah. Throughout her life, Sarah has taken on many roles—daughter, mother, CEO, friend. She’s accumulated successes, failures, material possessions, and accolades. When Sarah faces the end of her life, none of these external validations matter. What remains are her core values, her kindness, her love for her family and friends—essentially, the true Sarah. All those things that society often pressures us to prioritize—the job titles, the money, the social status—are stripped away. What’s left is the essence of her being.

So, how can we apply this in our day-to-day lives? Well, it’s about focusing on what really matters. Think about the relationships and values that make up your core. Invest in those. Don't get too caught up in the superficial stuff that won't matter in the end. Maybe it’s about spending more time with your family, nurturing your friendships, or just being kind for the sake of kindness. It could be as simple as taking a moment each day to reflect on what’s truly important to you.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a high school reunion. Everyone’s bragging about their jobs, their latest vacations, their fancy gadgets. But then, there’s your old friend, Mark. He doesn’t talk about his job or his car. Instead, he talks about his kids, about the time he spends volunteering at the animal shelter, and about the book club he started. Years later, when you think back on that reunion, it’s not the bragging you remember. It’s Mark’s passion and kindness. That’s the stuff that sticks because it’s real. It’s him.

The lesson here? Don't wait until you’re old or facing some life-altering event to shed those unnecessary layers. Start now. Focus on who you are at your core. It’s not about what you have; it’s about who you are. Be genuine. Be kind. Be true to yourself.

At the coffee shop, it’s like saying, “Hey, let’s cut the BS. What really makes you tick? What’s at your core?” That’s the stuff that matters, and that’s what’s left when everything else falls away.

So next time you’re stressed about not having the latest phone or that promotion you missed, just remember: when it’s all said and done, those things won’t define you. What will define you are the moments of truth, kindness, and love that you’ve shared. Embrace that.