"La vida es larga si sabes cómo usarla"

Life can feel incredibly long if we truly understand how to make the most of it. This idea suggests that the way we choose to spend our days can either make our lives seem fleeting or wonderfully extensive. It’s not so much the actual span of years that matters, but rather the richness and fullness we infuse into them. Think of it like this: Imagine a day where you’re busy from dawn till dusk, filled with meaningful activities and connections. That day feels long and satisfying, right? Now compare it to a day where you do nothing but scroll through social media and watch TV. That day seems to vanish, almost as if it never happened.

Historically, this concept can be traced back to the stoics, especially Seneca, a Roman philosopher who wrote about the importance of living a meaningful life. Seneca believed that people often waste their time on trivial pursuits, and as a result, their lives feel short and unfulfilled. He argued that by focusing on what truly matters—whether that’s personal growth, meaningful work, or deep relationships—our lives can feel wonderfully extensive and rewarding.

Let’s take a real-life example. Think about someone like J.K. Rowling. Before she became famous, she was a single mother, struggling to make ends meet, writing in cafes while her baby slept. Despite her difficult circumstances, she poured her heart into writing. When she finally finished "Harry Potter," she didn’t just create a best-seller; she built a world that millions of people would come to love. Her life, though challenging, was filled with purpose and passion. Today, she’s not just successful; she’s an embodiment of how a well-used life can feel expansive and significant.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by identifying what truly matters to you. Is it spending time with loved ones? Pursuing a passion or hobby? Volunteering in your community? Once you’ve figured that out, make those activities a priority. Don’t let the trivial, time-wasting activities consume your days. Set boundaries. Limit your screen time. Focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment.

Now, imagine this scenario: You wake up on a Saturday morning, and you have the whole day ahead of you. You could easily spend it binge-watching a series, but instead, you decide to try something different. You start with a morning jog, something you’ve been meaning to do for a while. You feel the crisp morning air, and it energizes you. Then, you have breakfast with your family, sharing stories and laughter. In the afternoon, you work on a personal project—maybe painting or writing—that gives you immense satisfaction. By the end of the day, you’ve connected with loved ones, nurtured your body, and fed your soul. When you go to bed that night, you feel like you’ve lived a whole week in just one day.

In essence, life’s length and richness aren’t measured in years, but in how deeply and meaningfully we spend our time. So, let’s focus on making each day count, filling our lives with activities and moments that matter. When we know how to use our time well, life indeed becomes long and full of wonders.