How can we live life fully?

Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor, left us with the timeless quote: “Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly.” This quote represents a powerful reminder that time is finite, and it’s essential to enjoy each day to the fullest. For example, Marcus Aurelius himself valued his time and wrote, “Life is short. Time is fleeting. Nothing is ours, except time.”

Stoicism teaches us that we should not be afraid of death because it is a natural part of life. By imagining ourselves as dead, we can cultivate an appreciation for the present moment and realize that every day is a gift. We can learn to focus on what we can control and let go of things outside our control. For instance, during difficult times, it can be helpful to remember that this too shall pass, and that our time on Earth is limited and should be used with intention and purpose.

Living properly means being in alignment with our values and being the most positive version of ourselves. We should strive to pursue life with intention, purpose, and virtue. The Stoics believed that the key to a fulfilling life is to behaveaccording to our nature, which entails interacting with wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control. For instance, living with intention could mean setting aside time each day to focus on our personal growth, or making sure that our actions are in line with our values and that they are helping us to reach our goals.

To live a Stoic life and make the most of our time, we can implement practical steps such as setting goals, focusing on what we can control, and practicing gratitude. We should set meaningful goals that align with our values and take consistent action towards achieving them. We should also remember that there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way, but we can use them as opportunities to grow and learn. For example, we can practice gratitude by taking time to write down three things we are grateful for each day, or by appreciating the small moments that we usually take for granted.

Stoics believe that focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot control is a crucial part of living properly. We cannot control external events, but we can control our responses to them. We should not waste time and energy worrying about things beyond our control. Instead, we should focus on how we can respond to them in a way that aligns with our values.

Practicing gratitude is another way to live a Stoic life. By appreciating what we have and focusing on the present moment, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and joy. We should take time each day to reflect on the things we are grateful for, no matter how small. Doing this is a powerful way to foster inner peace and lasting wellbeing.

Finally, Marcus Aurelius’s quote is a powerful reminder that time is finite, and we should make the most of every day. Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control, live according to our values, and cultivate gratitude. By living properly, we can find fulfillment and purpose in life and leave a positive legacy for future generations. For example, Marcus Aurelius is remembered for being a wise and fair ruler, as well as for his writing on Stoic philosophy.

Have you been impacted by the above quote?

Please share with us how you are living your life.

Cheers,
Jay Pacheco