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"No hay cura para la vida y la muerte salvo disfrutar del intervalo."

George Santayana
George Santayana Philosopher
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Quote meaning
Life can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and there's no magic remedy to avoid its inevitable start and end. The real trick is to savor the ride in between. That’s the heart of this quote.

The idea is pretty straightforward: we’re all born, and we all die. Those are the two certainties of life. We sometimes get so caught up in the hustle, the stress, and the worries that we forget to actually live in the moment and enjoy what's happening right now. It’s a reminder to embrace the present and find joy in the small things because, in the grand scheme, that’s what truly matters.

For a bit of historical context, this way of thinking isn't new. Philosophers from the ancient Greeks to modern-day self-help gurus have emphasized living in the moment. It’s something that keeps coming up because, well, humans have always struggled with it. We get bogged down with our past mistakes or future anxieties, but life is happening now.

Let’s get practical. Think about a time you were really stressed—maybe it was prepping for a big work presentation. Your mind was all over the place, worrying about every tiny detail, imagining the worst-case scenarios. But then, after the presentation, you realized it wasn’t as bad as you’d built it up to be in your head. The stress didn’t change the outcome; it just made the days leading up to it miserable. Imagine if you had taken a few moments each day to just breathe, look around, and enjoy a small pleasure—a cup of coffee, a walk in the park, a chat with a friend. Your overall experience would have been much better.

So how do we apply this bit of wisdom? It’s all about mindfulness. Start small. Find moments in your day to pause and appreciate. Maybe it’s during your morning coffee, taking a few extra seconds to really enjoy that first sip. Or when you’re with your kids, put the phone down and be fully present. Enjoy their laughter, their curiosity. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about those tiny, everyday moments that we often overlook.

Here’s a story that might hit home. Imagine you’re out on a hike with friends. You’re so focused on reaching the top of the mountain to snap that perfect Instagram pic that you miss the beauty around you—the rustling leaves, the distant bird calls, the way the sunlight filters through the trees. By the time you reach the top, you’re exhausted and can’t even enjoy the view. But let’s say you decided to slow down and enjoy the journey. You take breaks, share laughs, and really absorb the natural beauty around you. By the time you get to the top, you’ve not only got your picture but also a heart full of memories.

The point is, life is happening in these little intervals. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment, but finding perfection in every moment. So let’s make a pact—to enjoy the interval. Because that’s what life is really about.
Related tags
Appreciation Death Enjoyment Existentialism Life Living Mindfulness Philosophy Time Wisdom
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