There’s an old saying I think about quite a bit. It goes like this:
“The trouble is, you think you have time.”
The thought is one that routinely spurs me to action and helps me prioritize my life. Because it’s true. Our priorities often get misplaced specifically because we think we have more time than we actually do.
It’s easy to forget the value of every day—especially in a world of constant distraction.
What if we approached life each day fully committed to the reality that time is short? That nothing lasts forever? And tomorrow is promised to no one?
For example, if you knew this was your last year to live, how would you live differently?
I don’t ask this question as a downer, but as a clarifying lens to focus on what truly matters. Take some time to legitimately answer the question.
In our daily routine, it’s easy to get lost in the details and forget the larger picture. When we do, we spend time on and chase after things that, in the grand scheme of things, hold little significance.
That is why the question above can be so powerfully reframing and why our hearts and minds resonate with the question every time we hear it. It reshapes and refines our perspective almost immediately.
So I think it would be helpful for each of us to ask ourselves the question again today.
If this were your last year to live, would you concern yourself with material possessions, or would you focus on legacy, relationships, and meaningful experiences with the ones you love?
This is important because the reality is that life does fly by. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. Milestones come and go. Children grow up. People move. Jobs and careers end. Our bodies slow down. And before we know it, we’re all left wondering, “Have I lived well?”
My life will probably not end this year. It might, but it probably won’t. But you know what will end? One of the greatest and most important seasons of my life. In two months, our youngest daughter will graduate high school. In six months, both of my children will no longer live at home. And while I will always be their dad and Kim will always be their mom, parenting will look very different from here on.
Even if I don’t die this year, a season of my life will.
“The days are long, but the years are short,” as they like to say. And I’m left with only the question, “Did I live it well?”
The question above, “If you knew this was your last year to live, how would you live differently?” is a powerfully important one that we ought to ask ourselves frequently. Because it might be truer than you think. And it always helps us refine our pursuits and passions.
If This Were Your Last Year, Would You…
Redo Your Countertops?
Sure, keeping up with all the changing trends can be fun and redoing the kitchen might raise the resale value of your home, but if you had only one year to live, would the visual appeal of your home to a potential future buyer really be the thing you wanted to spend your time and money on?
Buy a Brand New Car?
Maybe you really would need a more reliable car to get you through your last year. But in making that choice, my guess is that you’d find great truth in Harvey Mackay’s words, “If you can afford a fancy car, you can make more of an impact driving an ordinary one.”
Binge Watch Another Series on Netflix?
Time spent playing mobile games or binge-watching shows would quickly become recognized as wasted time. You’d try to replace those hours with healthy conversation.
Spend More Time at the Office?
Hard work is commendable, but when it robs us of our health or time with family, it’s worth reassessing our priorities.
Chase After the Latest Gadgets?
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it’s tempting to chase after the latest device or tech development. But if you had just one year left to live, I wonder how much we’d pursue human connection and interaction instead.
Obsess Over Social Media Status?
Social media can consume vast amounts of our time. And it is true that I’ve seen lots of people post on social media updating the final weeks of a loved one’s life, but I don’t recall any examples of people spending their final days on social media. Something tells me there are more important matters on the top of mind.
Engage in Unnecessary Arguments?
Disagreements and conflicts are part of life, but how many of them truly matter? If we had just one year to live, how many of those conflicts would be viewed as foolish or petty? Especially compared to unity, harmony, love, and understanding.
Put Off Apologies or Reconciliations?
Knowing our time is limited would underscore the importance of mending fences. Holding onto pride or resentment often seems pointless when faced with the finite nature of life.
Certainly, it is wise to consider the long-term. Saving for retirement, investing in career and personal growth, taking care of our health, strategizing long-term are all good and worthwhile endeavors. I’m certainly not trying to argue against wise decisions.
But the important reminder that life is short should encourage us to live each day with intention. The unpredictable nature of life is not a cause for fear—it is a call to action.
So how do we respond? Well, it starts with small, intentional choices. Removing our lives of distractions—whether they be physical possessions, trivial entertainment, unnecessary commitments, or the unquenchable pursuit of money—frees up space and energy to engage in the things that truly enrich our lives.
If this were your last year, you would likely prioritize relationships, pursue your passions, dedicate yourself to activity that brings meaning, and give generously by sharing your time, resources, and talents with those you desire to bless.
And those are all things we can do every day—regardless of how many days remain in our lives.
Natasha says
Gosh I just loved this post. It really makes you stop and think doesn’t it.
Thinking today about whether that is how we really want to spend our time, energy and money, also leads to a better planned future naturally I think.
We’re able to live in todays moment and in doing so creating a better future. Love it!
Sandi says
Asking myself this question has made my life better twice already. The first time, my answer was “I would spend more time with family and friends…..and I would not waste time exercising or eating healthy” but I felt God saying…ok, what if you live to be 95? We have longevity in my family so I changed the second part of my answer and started on a healthy journey of more exercise and eating more healthy:) The 2nd time was when I turned 60 at the beginning of this year. I decided I will celebrate all year by making plans to get together with friends and family near and far. I am sending care packages and writing heartfelt notes to friends and family telling them specifically why I love them. I’m giving extra money to new charities each month. So far, I’m having a blast planning all the things and enjoying special time and trips with friends and family!
Lori Williams says
Thank you for your responses Annette, Cathy and Marney. Yes, I hear these things over and over again every week. It breaks my heart, but it’s also amazing how many people, then in response to what they went through, make the decision to both do estate planning and also downsize their belongings so their loved ones don’t have to do it after they die. One of the saddest/funniest/most true things one of my clients ever said to me was “I don’t have time to think about my grief! I have to figure out what to do with all these empty Cool Whip containers!!” Oh how those empty containers signify the thousands of things we have to attend to that draw our time away from what really matters – and that’s time with loved ones. All my best to all of you on this journey.
David Abbey says
Wonderful and to the point of what life is all about.great read.
enid says
Over 40 years ago, my brother went through this knowing his life was in a parking meter. He keep saying to everyone I have had a wonderful life.! He came down with full blown Aids at a tme when society did not accept. He traveled to Europe with his Partner whom is living today and never came down with this due to our Immune system. They bought a euro rail pass and enjoyed every second of beautiful scenery.
Jemina Solovastru says
Amazing article!!! Thank you Joshua. 🙏
Annette Downie says
As always Joshua another inspired article. I’ve never commented before but this post really got to me. I lost my husband, two years ago now and it wasn’t expected at that moment! It left us as a family reeling and bereft, the loss was palpable! To be honest, each day is still very challenging but the one thing I have enabled myself to do is to live more simply. Not just in terms of ‘household clutter’ but ‘life clutter’! I’ve never been someone that lived excessively or needed to have the latest gadget, sofa or piece of clothing. At my heart since I was a teenager I’ve always lived as sustainably as possible, our home is full of market place finds, thrift shop bargains and pre-loved clothing, something that always amused my husband! Our sons have followed in my footsteps for which I am very proud of them for, they have lived through loss and suffering, they fully understand as do I that we must endeavour to live our best, purest, kindest….most simple life we can as your life can change in an instant and those you love are left with a herculeun task of clearing the clutter all of which I know through my own experience is a very stressful, complex, lonely journey!
Try and do a little everyday is my new moto, systemise your paperwork, do small weekly trips to the dump, recycle, gift your stuff to local charities, sort your ‘friendship clutter’. Spend time with those that give you what you need, be present for those that you love and care about, reconnect with those that are worth your energy, be mindful, embrace nature and always remember to be kind to yourself as well as others.
Don’t wait till that moment happens and your life is turned upside down, consider that question” if this was my last, have I lived well?” If you have any doubts you can make small changes that will enrich your life and that of those around you.
Loss makes you reevaluate what truly matters in life, be kind, warm, considerate to others and live simply everyday and your life will be all the better for it!
Rae says
Appreciate the reminder 😊
S. PATEL says
I pray God eases your pain and grants you and your family ease as you continue to grieve your loss. You had some lovely reminders.
Natasa says
Every day spend time with those whom you love.
Move and eat healthy and just be in the moment – PRESENT!
ChuNam says
Your article is like an awakening. Life is unpredictable, so I completely agree with living each day to its fullest meaning. It’s about purpose, calling for action rather than fear. We eliminate as much noise, meaningless or low-value things as possible. I’ve spent less time on entertainment and distractions on my phone, focusing more on family care and pursuing my passions, bringing value to myself and benefiting others. I’ve had holistic thoughts and chosen a lifestyle that removes less valuable things. The crowd may be doing things that are generally ineffective or low-value, but they continue nonetheless. That’s the stark difference when we choose to live simply and meaningfully.
Lori Williams says
Wonderful article (as always!). As a hospice grief counselor, I absolutely agree with all you wrote. But, in support of minimalism, can I also encourage everyone to consider what they’re leaving behind for those they love to take care of. I talk to folks nearly every day who are so overwhelmed with all of the things – legal, financial and oh so very many belongings – that they need to attend to. Sometimes for many months (even years) after death. Often, their grief has to take a back seat to deal with all of this. So please don’t wait until you learn your life expectancy is limited to give your loved ones the gifts of estate planning and downsizing your belongings. Just a thought! :)
Annette Downie says
Hello Lori, I just wanted to respond to your post. I could not agree more, I list my husband two years ago and it was a very difficult time in our lives. The grief and loss was overwhelming, however, the most challenging times were sorting through piles of paperwork and making endless phone calls, trying to make some sense of it all was all consuming and my grief was shelved as I had no room for it, two years on and I’m only just beginning to finalise my husbands estate!!
It’s exhausting, emotionally challenging and it just never ends. I told friends to get their estates in order, if there was one thing I had learnt it was to have all your paperwork systemised and up to date, to leave your family with one less burden has to be a worthwhile venture. I am finalising my own paperwork for our sons so that they don’t have to go through what I did .
I am systematically clearing out our attic so that our boys don’t have to and I am simplifying how we live in our home, trying to live a more sustainable, simple life that’s not full of life’s’stuff’!
I’ve learned that time with loved ones, making memories and living with ‘less’ is what’s important, don’t wait till your time is limited, make small changes everyday it will be worth it!
Cathy says
I am replying to Annette and Lori. I am going through the same thing. I lost my husband three years ago which was not expected. My situation sounds quite similar to yours Annette. However, we did not have all the legal paperwork in order at the time but found a law firm to help expedite all the necessary documents in time. A year later I had all my legal documents in order for my children. My children and I are still going through my husband’s things. It’s been a slow process. I too feel like I have not truly been able to grieve…so much to take care of. Our lives will never be the same. I am on a mission to simplify things for my children. I am now looking forward to having the house cleared out of my things and my husband’s things so I can enjoy my family more and have more time to do things I enjoy. I am hoping this process will be finished by the fall. Thank you Lori for your recommendations….it is so true! Annette, may you be able to get through this season of all it is requiring of you and may you have peace and joy again. Joshua, your article is packed with so much wisdom. I do hope that people will take it to heart and truly put to use what you have suggested.
Marney says
Time with loved ones is so important especially as we age. Having our affairs in order is so important and it’s something that is not talked about nearly enough. We hear how it’s important to declutter and get rid of our things. That is all something that I believe should be second on our list after our papers and our affairs are in order for our family. And while we do this we need to make sure to enjoy our families and to enjoy each day that we have. Thank you Lori for your tips. I’m sorry Annette and Cathy for your losses and for having to walk through the estate settling.
Lisa says
I actually like going through my late husband’s papers, books, photos, etc. It is a lot of work but very interesting! My relations probably won’t enjoy going through my things, though!