Well it has been a awhile since I have updated, and it isn’t because I have actually died, but I have just been busy living life! But that doesn’t mean this topic of living like I am dying hasn’t been on my mind. When choosing to spend time doing something or planning something ahead (even those activities past November) I have wondered to myself “Is this something I would do if I am actually dying?” If that answer is a yes, it is pretty easy to make that decision.
Some examples are a recent euchre tournament I participated in at my Aunt’s. Got to spend some good quality time with family, and some of their friends. Although I was soundly defeated at rank eight of twelve participants, it is a bit easier to forgo my competitiveness and just enjoy the moments. I have also made plans to visit my friend in Ohio in November and to watch the Trans Siberian Orchestra this December with my parents. I have also spent some time just chillin’ playing video games so I am not without an excuse as to not doing an update on this blog.
But the more I think about it, the less I would choose to work. Maybe I would feel differently at this point if I was actually outsourcing the other menial tasks such as cleaning or raking the leaves. And I am basically near the end of the gauntlet of how much I would have to work before utilizing my available vacation time so I could maximize the life insurance payout for my wife. I know many others have disagreed with me on this part, and I understand why. If you are dying basically all of your time suddenly becomes more valuable. Sure I gross less than $20 an hour now, but I still work. Now compared to my original calculation of keeping the group life insurance by working for basically $400 an hour, the question remains, is it worth it?
I think that answer comes to a sense of sacrifice. I sacrifice my time and my life for sooo much less now. If I wasn’t willing to spend those hours now to help my wife after I am gone, then it also makes my current sacrifice almost meaningless. And another aspect of consideration is what would I do with my time if I were waiting for her to come home from work? In my final days, I want to spend the most time I can with my wife. I don’t think I really want alot of spare time to just sit around and think about my impending demise. I would probably start to feel more lonely or on edge. Sure I am occupy myself during the day, but everyone else is still working. The world does not revolve around me.
Anyways, after my little side rant there, I think the importance to keep in mind when looking at a proposed activity is to question, “Would I do this if I was dying?”. That is really the best way to get yourself on track for prioritizing.
What about you, how do you decide what activities you want to do?
Photo Credit: ddpavumba / freedigitalphotos.net
I try to live without regrets. I know that it’s not possible to have zero regrets, but if I can minimize them…. Therefore, if an opportunity comes up my wife and I talk about if one of us will regret not doing it. If so, we try very hard to make it happen. The whole no regrets thing runs somewhat counter to my latest post on contentment, but hey……life’s a balance.
Have a great weekend
-Bryan
I agree Bryan, need to find a good balance in life. Speaking on balance, I need to get back on here and working on stuff!
As the kids say these days, YOLO?
I think this is a valuable mental exercise, but a literal interpretation seems like it would focus you on short term gain at the cost of long term problems.
If I was going to croak tomorrow I wouldn’t bother working out and I’d eat donuts for breakfast, steak for lunch, and pizza for dinner
And it would be awesome!
Mr. FW,
“If I was going to croak tomorrow I wouldn’t bother working out and I’d eat donuts for breakfast, steak for lunch, and pizza for dinner
And it would be awesome!”
Couldn’t agree more! Preach it, brother.
Best regards.
Hmmm I might mix it up with steak and egg breakfast. Still good for the pizza, but what to pick for the third meal? Maybe a good ole hamburger on a pretzel bun? Sometimes simple is the best!
Yea… you could look at it that way if you take it too far. I think what Bryan said was best, finding a healthy balance.
I always try and get my chores done first and then reward myself with an activity like watching football etc, but if I knew the end was near I would certainly change my behavior.
Change your behavior in what way?
Wow! This is such a great exercise! We never know when the end is going to come, but if we assume the odds are that it will be later, all the more reason to front load most of our work; that way we can enjoy the time with those we love during our final years. We should enjoy it now, too…I agree about the balance. But I’m really hopeful that we will be able to retire early so that we can spend those last years together absolutely worry-free. And hopefully they do, in fact, come very, very far down the line.
I think the concept of financial independence is all about front loading as much investing and saving as you can while maintaining a minimalist or frugal lifestyle. I do hope that my time will be much later in life, but with no guarantees it is probably best to save as if it is not. We won’t live forever and I don’t want my time spent chained at a desk forever, unless if I truly enjoy my job. If it is a job then I would love doing even when financially independent, then that is the best scenario. Although I am sure I wouldn’t want to work any job 40+ hours a week if I didn’t have to, so I would continue to save until I could do whatever it is part time that I enjoy.