On Saturday afternoon, I learned that my dad’s oldest brother passed away.  This uncle was the patriarch of the family.  In fact, he raised my dad like his own son after my grandparents passed away.  While he’s no longer physically with us, I know he’s in a better place and no longer in pain.  And from what I know and remember, he lived a really full and happy life.

When death hits this close to home, all I can think about is the concept of life and time.  Shortly after I talked to my parents on Saturday, I found this quote and couldn’t stop thinking about it and what it means.

Here’s what I came up with…

The quote is yet another timeless reminder that life is short.

But here’s the thing, we all know our time is limited.  The real question is how are we going to use what is given to us.  How are we going to fill our days?

I think we owe it to ourselves to think about what makes us happy and act on it.  And I’m talking about real happiness.  The kind of happy that oozes out of your pores.  The kind of happy that makes you smile for no reason.

Whatever that looks like for you – do it, act on it.   Don’t wait for tomorrow.

Live with strength, purpose, and passion.  Make mistakes and learn from them.  Try new things.  Travel more.  Say I love you every chance you get.  Call your friends just to say hi.  Learn to __(insert whatever it is you want to learn)__.  Wake up early to watch the sunrise.  Release your inner goofball.  Say you’re sorry.  Forgive people when necessary.  Follow your heart.  Make promises and keep them.  Laugh for no reason.  Be thankful.  And PLEASE eat the freaking dessert!

While we don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, we do have a say in the quality of today.  We shouldn’t reserve life for another day, month, or year but rather make use of the time we have today.