"Our life is a journey, and by bringing us closer to death, it returns us to our being."

Life is often compared to a journey, and this idea captures the essence of that metaphor. It suggests that as we move through life, growing older and approaching the inevitable end, we get closer to understanding our true selves. This journey, with all its ups and downs, gradually strips away superficial layers and distractions, revealing who we really are at our core.

Imagine you’re on a long road trip. At the start, you might be preoccupied with the destination, the excitement of the unknown, or perhaps the fear of what’s ahead. As you travel, you encounter different landscapes, some beautiful, some challenging. You learn, you grow, and with each passing mile, you become more in tune with your thoughts and feelings. By the time you get close to the end of your trip, you’ve had time to reflect on where you’ve been and who you've become. This reflection brings clarity and a deeper understanding of yourself.

This idea isn't new. Philosophers and thinkers throughout history have often pondered the connection between life and death. For instance, ancient Stoics believed in memento mori, which means "remember you will die." They argued that keeping death in mind helps us live more meaningful and authentic lives. By recognizing that life is finite, we’re encouraged to focus on what truly matters and to live in a way that aligns with our deepest values.

Let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Consider the story of Randy Pausch, a professor who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He gave an influential lecture, known as "The Last Lecture," where he shared life lessons and reflections on what truly mattered to him. As he faced the end of his life, he found clarity about his passions, his relationships, and his legacy. His experience illustrates how confronting our mortality can strip away the unimportant and bring us back to our true selves.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our everyday lives? Start by regularly reflecting on your life’s journey. Ask yourself questions like: What truly matters to me? Am I living in a way that honors my values and passions? Don't wait for a crisis to reevaluate your priorities. Make it a habit to think about what you want your life to represent and whether your current path aligns with that vision.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Think about a time when you faced a major life change, like moving to a new city or starting a new job. Initially, you might have been consumed with the logistics and the anxiety of the unknown. But as you settled in, you probably had moments of introspection where you reconsidered your goals and what you wanted from this new chapter. Maybe you realized that certain things you stressed about weren’t that important after all, and you found a new sense of purpose. This is a smaller scale of what the quote is getting at—through change and progression, we get closer to understanding our true selves.

In essence, by viewing life as a journey that brings us closer to death, we’re reminded to live authentically and with intention. It's a call to focus on what truly matters and to let go of what doesn’t. So, next time you’re caught up in the hustle and bustle, take a step back. Reflect on your journey and remember what’s at your core. After all, it’s through understanding our finite nature that we can truly appreciate and embrace our being.