Savoring Our One Life: My Reality of Mortality

I recently attended a moving play that served as a reminder for viewers to make the most of this one life we get to live. The production highlighted both the joys of fully embracing what life has to offer and the reality of its eventual end. This is the journey each of us is navigating.

If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend Kimberly Akimbo, a Tony Award-winning play that left a deep impression on me. It tells the story of a teenage girl, Kimberly, who is living with Progeria – a rare condition that causes rapid aging – navigating the brief time she has left. Kimberly’s determination to fulfill her dreams, from seeing the ocean to riding a roller coaster to visiting Disney World, was both heartwarming and inspiring.

The Illusion of Immortality

In our youth, life feels like an endless adventure. It’s a time of discovery, exploration, and growth. But as we grow older, the responsibilities of work, family, and routine often take precedence, shifting our focus. For a while, we may not think about our mortality; it feels distant, with so much life between now and then that it does not seem real. But eventually, something shifts.

For many of us, the realization of our own mortality comes gradually. For some of us, it suddenly looms before us. Perhaps it’s sparked by a personal health scare or the loss of a loved one. For me, it arrived in my 60s when I faced a melanoma diagnosis that had spread to my lymph system. Suddenly, the concept of mortality wasn’t abstract – it was a profound presence. Like many who have faced cancer, I came to view life as a gift, one to be cherished and lived fully.

When did you first confront the reality of your own mortality? What impact did it have on the way you live?

Intriguingly, just as we become more conscious of our mortality, time begins to move more quickly. Why?

Time Flies

As we age, routine often becomes a comforting rhythm. By our 70s or 80s, we’ve discovered what works for us, and the pattern of daily life offers a sense of stability. We have learned how to be comfortable. Yet, this predictability can also create the illusion of time passing more quickly.

Research suggests that time feels like it speeds up when we live on autopilot, without consciously engaging in our experiences. For example, spending a weekend relaxing and puttering will seem short come Monday. A weekend spent experiencing something new to you, where you are truly focused, will seem longer when Monday arrives. You can experiment with this and see what happens for you!

As I reflect on this, I wonder: do I want time to “fly by,” or would I rather savor each moment?

The answer, for me, is clear.

Choosing Vitality

How do you envision your years ahead? Are you settled into a comfortable routine or are you seeking adventure? How we choose to live life is a personal choice. There is no one right way. Yet, there is benefit in pausing to consider the quality of your journey through time.

I truly hope to live another 20 years. That may happen, or not. I want to savor every life event, change of season, rhythm of garden, moments with friends, and experiences that stretch me a bit. I want to feel every experience fully, without wondering where the time has gone. I strive to embrace each day with intention.

Of course, our priorities and preferences may shift as we age. Perhaps at 96, I’ll find solace in a quieter routine. In fact, the comfort of routine may provide meaning, satisfaction and even a bit of adventure, especially as we approach our 90s and beyond. Simple pleasures, like meal planning or visiting with loved ones, can bring fulfillment. For others, life remains a quest for adventure – whether through travel, learning, or new hobbies.

Crafting Your Own Adventures

Kimberly’s story reminds us of the importance of living out our dreams, regardless of age or convention. What adventures are still on your list? What dreams have you set aside that could still become reality?

Even small changes in perspective can transform how we experience life. A simple walk, for instance, becomes a richer experience when we engage all our senses – feeling the breeze, noticing the vibrant colors, and listening to the sounds of nature. Practices like mindfulness or meditation can also help us slow down and appreciate the present. Allowing yourself to do something that feels just a little scary may awaken a feeling that has lain dormant.

Life is about more than the number of years we have. It’s about the moments we create and the memories we cherish. So, take insights from Kimberly’s story: continue to dream and welcome your journey.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you choose to savor your life? Have you begun to sense life’s impermanence? If you were Kimberly facing only weeks or months ahead, what adventures would you seek out?