When I’m 90 years old, I would like to say I live my life…

Many of us are going through routines every day. We get up, go to work, go home and spend some time with our family (or alone), go to bed, and the cycle repeats itself. Sometimes we don’t even remember what we did just two days ago. Going through the motions without thinking about the day, being numb, trying not to feel, only to get by.

Is that what I want to do for the rest of my life? How will my 90-year-old self want to remember me by?

What is the meaning of life? That is a very loaded question.

What is the meaning of my life? I get to choose what my priorities are. I want to serve others to the best of my ability. Helping people brings me joy. I also want to spend quality time with my family.

Helping by serving. I serve patients who have hematologic problems or terminal cancers. I enjoy the human connection. The bond of a disease or condition brings us to the same place, both physically and emotionally. This is best achieved by being present. I am ready and am willing to feel the whole spectrum of emotions. The more present I am, the bigger the amplitude of emotions and feelings I get to experience.

We all do busy work, to a certain extent. Busyness oftentimes is glorified – the more the better. More projects, more travels, more routines, etc. There are more achievements at work and promotions.

How do I want to remember myself when I’m 90 (if I get to live that long)? For me, it does not matter how much I have accomplished, how advanced my career is, or how famous (or not) I have become. What matters to me is the person I am becoming, and the journey I am going through. What brings me joy and gratitude is the connection with other human beings. I want to remember me as the person who choose not to glorify or idolize busyness. The more is not always better. I want to remember me as always being fully present. Being fully present for my family, for my friends, for my patients and for my clients.

When I am 90 years old, I would like to say I live my life without regret. That I did my best given the circumstances. That I allow myself to feel all the emotions. That I can give thanks in all situations, even in difficult or challenging times. That I make my experiences to be opportunities to learn and grow.

How about you? When you are 90 years old, do you look back in your life and find a busy body, or do you see someone who lives in alignment of your values?

Set our priorities now and decide how we want to live. It is easy to dwell in busyness and forget to pause, take a step back, and experience life. Live in the present. Explore how the breeze is brushing against your face. Notice what a warm shower really feels like when the water hits your shoulders. Make the conscious effort to pack in some time for your top priority.