"Somos como mariposas que revolotean por un día y piensan que es para siempre."

Life is incredibly short, but we often live as if we have an endless amount of time. Just like butterflies, flitting about for their single day, we sometimes forget our own brevity and imagine we have forever. It's a reminder to live intentionally, valuing each moment because our time is limited.

Historically, this quote might resonate with the ancient Stoics or even modern-day philosophers who stress the importance of memento mori—remembering that we will die. Think about it: if you're conscious every day that your existence is finite, you'd probably live differently. Maybe you'd spend less time on trivial matters and more on things that truly matter to you.

A perfect real-life example is something I experienced last summer. I had a friend, let's call her Sarah, who had always talked about traveling the world. But she kept putting it off—waiting for the perfect time, the right amount of money, or the ideal circumstances. She was definitely fluttering about like a butterfly, thinking she had forever. Unfortunately, Sarah was diagnosed with a serious illness, which turned everything on its head. She decided to pack her bags and set off, even though she wasn't sure if she had the time or strength to see it through. Her journey was brief, but she lived more fully in those months than she had in years of routine.

So how can you apply this wisdom? Start by taking a hard look at your priorities. Are you spending your time on things that bring joy and fulfillment, or are you stuck in a monotonous cycle? Set small, actionable goals that push you towards your dreams. Don't wait for tomorrow to start living the life you want—begin today. It could be as simple as reconnecting with an old friend, taking up a hobby you've always wanted to try, or booking that trip you've been dreaming about. Time is fleeting; don’t squander it on 'someday.'

Imagine this scenario: You're at a coffee shop with a close friend. You're both chatting about life, work, the usual. Your friend asks, "What would you do if you had just one year left to live?" The question hits you harder than you'd expect. You start listing things—spending more time with family, traveling, learning to play the guitar, writing that book. Your friend then says, "Why aren't you doing any of that now?"

Suddenly, it dawns on you. We often put off what really matters, thinking there's always more time. But there isn't. Just like those butterflies, we're here for what feels like a day. It’s not about making drastic changes overnight, but about shifting your mindset. Think of each day as a tiny lifetime. Fill it with meaningful activities, connections, and experiences.

In embracing this approach, you won’t just be flitting around aimlessly. You’ll be soaring with purpose, making the most out of every fleeting moment. After all, our day might be short, but it can be filled with beauty and wonder if we remember that it doesn't last forever.