Heartbeats
On November 19, 2009 in Thought for the Day
“I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine.” Neil Armstrong
Life is truly finite. We each get a certain number of heartbeats to power a life that allow us to learn, think, love, cry, run, dance, eat and sleep. So if the average person lives to be 78, times 365 days a year, that gives us 28,470 days (average) on the planet. Now, subtract your current age from 78 and multiply that times 365. This is a rough calculation of the number of days you still have on the planet. Life is finite.
When I do that calculation for me, I become far more aware of the preciousness of each day. I realize I don’t have any days to waste – and by waste I mean:
• Worrying about things I can’t change.
• Not spending time with or connecting to people I love.
• Not doing things that activate my passions and interests.
• Not being honest with my feelings and valuing myself.
• Not living my dreams.
• Not making a difference.
So, if you knew your time were limited, would you use it differently? Talk to those who have had their timeline significantly changed by illness or injury and they will share that time is precious – don’t waste it. To be changed, see Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture video.
Take Action: Do your “heartbeat calculation” for perspective. Commit to making each day count. Live well, live wisely and live with appreciation of each day you have.
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