Memento Mori…
Do you know this Latin phrase?
For those that don’t know, roughly translated it means, “Remember you must die” – meaning that no matter what – your time on this earth is limited. It’s implied that most people don’t enjoy or appreciate their life because they believe that tomorrow is guaranteed.
It is not.
You could get hit by a bus while trying to cross the street today – so, enjoy every moment you have – as it could be your last.
I learned this adage a long time ago and it changed my life. I stopped worrying about things that I couldn’t control – and started to just focus on the things that were within my power to determine.
I can control what time I get up…
I wake up early so I can get to the gym for my first lifting session of the day. Nothing is stopping me from waking up before the crack of dawn – except the comfort of my own bed…
And as we all know – comfort kills.
I can control what I eat…
I don’t eat junk food so my gym sessions are fueled with what I need to get the most out of training. Sure, I have dessert now and again – but it’s not a regular habit because I know the short term cost isn’t worth it in the end.
I can control what I lift…
I don’t lift with my ego – I lift with wisdom built by a few decades of experience. On the days I feel strong – I lift heavy…
On the days I don’t or feel my energy is low – I lean more towards the machines.
I can control the people I hang around with…
I don’t hang out with people who drink and party – because if I do – I might fall into some of their habits. Not that a beer or two is a bad thing – but a beer or two every day turns into 4 or 5…
And I’d rather not wake up hungover so I can hit the gym.
I can control what time I go to bed…
I don’t go out or stay up late. I’m not 20-years-old – gone are the days of getting ready to go out at 9:30 and stay out till 3 or 4 in the morning. I can’t wake up early and lift if I’m tired.
I can control these things…
And what I can’t – I let go of because: memento mori.
Life is way too short to worry about things that you can’t control. I focus on what I can control – my actions, my words and my thoughts – and don’t waste a moment of thought on things I can’t.
It’s the recipe for a happy life – trust me.
The truth is – we are born, we live and then we die – and while there are people in our lives – we do this all alone…
Each in their own way.
Which is why the things we love… the things we cherish – we have to love them like there is no tomorrow…
Because when you get right down to it… there isn’t.
We’ve only got today.
Don’t waste time on what some jerk said on a social media post…
Don’t waste time yelling at the driver who cut you off…
The only thing worth your time are the things you love and the things that make you better. Everything else is white noise.
Memento mori, my friends…
It will change everything.
“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.” – Horace
Editor’s Note: As Apollo Creed told Rocky in the third installment of the franchise, “THERE IS NO TOMORROW”! We only have today – and if you want to get better today – then you should make sure your body has all the nutrients it needs to help you push yourself to the limit. Our EAA+ HYDRATION was designed to help you do exactly that. Now, in two NEW flavors: Lemon Lime and Pink Lemonade. Get some EAA+ HYDRATION today.
