"كما هي الحكاية كذلك هي الحياة ليست بطولها"

This quote gets to the heart of the matter quickly: it’s not the length of the tale, or life, that counts, but the quality of it. Think about your favorite book or movie. It isn't the number of pages or the runtime that makes it great—it's the experiences, emotions, and lessons you get from it. The same goes for life. It's not about living to be 100 if those years aren't filled with meaning and joy.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Ancient philosophers like Seneca talked about the quality of life over its length. Imagine Seneca writing letters to his friends, urging them to live a life filled with purpose rather than just trying to make it to the next birthday. This mindset has lasted because it speaks to a universal truth that we often overlook, especially in a world obsessed with longevity and productivity.

Now, let's bring this idea to life with an example. Picture a woman named Maria, who's 35. She decides to quit her high-paying but soul-crushing job to pursue her passion for painting. For the next decade, she travels, creates, and shares her art with the world. Maria doesn't live to 90—she passes away at 45—but her paintings continue to inspire people long after she's gone. Her life, though not particularly long, was incredibly impactful and fulfilling.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by asking yourself what truly makes you happy. Is it the number of years you plan to work before retirement, or is it the moments that take your breath away? Find the courage to cut out what doesn’t bring you joy, and focus on what does. It's about being present, making meaningful connections, and pursuing passions that light you up inside.

Let’s put this in a more relatable scenario. Picture you're at a coffee shop with your best friend. She’s worried about her career path and how she’s “falling behind” everyone else. She’s 29 and feels the pressure to achieve more before the big 3-0. You remind her of this idea. You tell her it’s not about how long she works at her dream job or how quickly she gets there, but the richness of her experiences along the way. She perks up, realizing she’s been so focused on the timeline that she’s forgotten to enjoy the journey.

Life is short, and it’s unpredictable. We don’t get to choose how much time we have, but we do control how we spend it. Imagine you're looking back at your life—what do you want to see? A series of checked boxes, or a mosaic of laughter, love, and moments that matter?

In the end, it's about living fully, not just living long. So, throw yourself into what makes your heart sing, and don't get caught up in the numbers. Quality over quantity—always.