With the obvious tragic death of 9 people in a helicopter, a deadly virus growing into a pandemic, earthquakes, fires and a number of other catastrophes around the world, it is difficult not to remember how fragile life is.

In our post industrial world we often feel somewhat invincible. We have nice homes, plenty of food, vehicles to transport us wherever we like and an attitude that we deserve whatever it is we want. Why wouldn’t we feel invincible with all of our luxuries and the illusion of safety?

Alas we are not as safe as we deceive ourselves and our lives are under constant threat of expiration. Whether from disease, accident, malicious behavior or natural disaster, we are vulnerable. It is important to remember that we will not and cannot live indefinitely, but we need not despair. It is this mortality that increases life’s meaning and value.

As we plod along thinking we are ever safe and free from threats, our lives lose the spark and luster we love. We sometimes seek out daring things to add some level of danger that makes us feel alive. But we don’t need it. We are always on the verge of the end if we were to really stop and consider it. So we can embrace our own mortality and enjoy each moment more than we are currently.

Life is an adventure. There is always something new we can do, people we can meet, experiences to enjoy. We can wake up every day and find a reason to enjoy the breath in our lungs and the blood in our veins. If we are not finding the fantastic things in our world and our lives to enjoy then were are wasting the brief opportunity we have in this world. We will all, one day, slip from life and be reduced to mere atoms once more. And we have no idea when that day will come, so we must seize every moment and celebrate them.

Stop pretending we will live forever. Stop pretending we are safe. Laugh louder, eat better, breathe deeper, love harder and live fully. Nothing else is respectful of our mortality. Much love.