From Last to First

"Live each day as though it’s your first.

If we live each day full of wonder and appreciation

while discovering a genuine sense of joy,

I believe that motivation for our truest passion

would be more likely to present itself."

~ Leanne Delle

For the past few months, I have begun my daily journey with the words, "memento mori." Remembering the brevity of life and the gift that is each new day we are given. Remembering that the only appropriate response is gratefulness. Remembering our responsibility to appreciate and participate in this great flow of life.

I listened to a TedTalk this week by Leanne Delle. Leanne is a speaker, a writer, and a registered nurse. Her talk was titled, Don't Live Each Day As If It Were Your Last. She spoke of how we should rather shift our focus to living each day as if it were our first. She made it clear that she understood the intent behind the Memento Mori practice, but I like how she encouraged this shift and why she did so.

The "last day" mentality can focus on the present in a way that allows us to neglect our responsibilities to ourselves and to others. The "first day" mentality focuses on joy and appreciation of each new day and each new moment. This practice helps us be more aware, allowing us to live with wonder and awe of life. With this awareness, we are better equipped to participate in life and interact with reverence and gratefulness. This mindset helps us more clearly see the true gift of each day and each moment. Even in the day-to-day, mundane routines and responsibilities, we can more fully live life with true passion and deep presence.

So let's give this a try.

Instead of the last day, think of this as the first day.

Let's go from last to first, living today with wonder, appreciation, and a sense of joy.

There is another Greek phrase, Memento Vivere. Remember to live.

And may we do that today.