"There's something about death that is comforting. The thought that you could die tomorrow frees you to appreciate your life now."

The main idea here is about finding comfort in the inevitability of death. It’s saying that knowing we could die at any moment helps us value our current life much more. It’s about living in the present and appreciating the now, rather than getting stuck in worries about the future or regrets about the past.

This idea feels timeless. People have been grappling with the concept of mortality for centuries. Think about the philosophers of ancient Greece—guys like Socrates and Epicurus who often mused about death and how it influences life. Or consider the medieval period when the idea of ‘memento mori’ (remember that you must die) was everywhere, reminding people to live a good, meaningful life. It’s a thought that's been around for ages, but it always feels relevant.

Imagine you’re someone who’s always planning for the future, working endlessly to secure a better tomorrow. You keep postponing pleasures, thinking you’ll have them later. Then, suddenly, you’re hit by a life-changing event—maybe a health scare or the loss of a loved one—and it makes you pause. You realize that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. That’s when it hits you: you need to start appreciating today. So, you decide to take that trip you’ve always dreamed of, spend more time with family, or simply enjoy the small moments, like a sunny day or a good meal. This newfound appreciation for the present is the practical application of the quote.

To apply this wisdom, start by embracing mindfulness. Let go of the idea that your happiness is waiting for you in the future. Instead, find joy in the now. Take a moment each day to be grateful for what you have. Maybe start a gratitude journal—write down three things you’re thankful for each night. It’s about shifting your focus to what’s in front of you, rather than what’s ahead.

Let me tell you about a friend of mine, Joe. Joe was a workaholic. He was always the first one in the office and the last one to leave. He had big dreams of climbing the corporate ladder, and he thought once he reached the top, he’d finally enjoy life. But then something happened. His close friend, who was just as driven, had a heart attack at 40. It was a wake-up call for Joe. He realized he was living for a future that might never come. So, Joe changed his ways. He started leaving work at a reasonable hour, picking up old hobbies, and spending weekends with his family. He even took up painting—a passion he had as a kid but abandoned for his career. Joe told me, “I don’t want to wait until it’s too late to enjoy my life.”

This story is a perfect illustration of the quote. Joe found comfort in the thought of mortality, which freed him to appreciate and live his life more fully. It might seem a bit morbid at first, but there’s a beautiful wisdom in remembering that life is fleeting. It teaches us to live boldly, love deeply, and appreciate every single moment we have. So, take a breath, look around, and enjoy the now—because it’s all we really have.