Memento Mori: Finding True Happiness by Remembering Life's Finitude

Have you ever noticed how time seems to crawl during a boring meeting, yet when you look back, entire years seem to have flown by in an instant? You're not alone. Today, let's explore this paradox of time and discover an ancient philosophy that can bring deeper meaning to our lives.


Mememto Mori


Memento Mori: Ancient Wisdom to Remember Death

"Memento Mori" – have you heard this Latin phrase before? It translates to "Remember that you will die," which might initially sound morbid or depressing. But it's actually quite the opposite.

Recognizing the finite nature of our existence adds profound meaning to our present moments. Think about those powerful scenes in movies where characters face mortality and suddenly gain clarity about what truly matters. That's the essence of Memento Mori.

This concept has deep roots in various cultures. Roman generals would have slaves whisper "remember you are mortal" during victory parades. Medieval Europeans kept skulls on their desks as reminders. Modern wellness practitioners might call it "death awareness" or "mortality mindfulness." Whatever the term, remembering death isn't about sadness – it's about gratitude for the gift of today, viewing time not as numbers on a clock but as meaningful moments we can fill.


You Have Much Less Time Than You Think

If you're in your 30s or 40s, you might comfort yourself thinking, "I still have decades ahead of me." But how much usable time do you actually have? Let's break it down:

  • Approximately 1/3 of your remaining time will be spent sleeping
  • Another 1/3 typically goes to work and commuting
  • The final 1/3 is distributed among meals, errands, and various daily responsibilities

When you do the math, the time left for what you truly want—hobbies, personal growth, deep connections with loved ones—is astonishingly small.

Let's put some numbers to this. If you assume you'll live to 80 and you're currently 40:

  • Remaining sleep time: about 13.3 years
  • Remaining work time: about 8.3 years (until retirement)
  • Remaining routine activities: about 13.3 years
  • Time that's truly "yours": about 5 years

Shocking, isn't it? While this calculation might seem depressing, it's actually a powerful tool for awakening to the preciousness of each moment we have left.


Why Does Time Feel So Contradictory?

"The days are long, but the years are short." This familiar expression perfectly captures our perception of time. Individual days in our routines can feel tedious and endless, yet somehow, looking back, years seem to have slipped through our fingers.

This cognitive dissonance occurs because we experience time differently in the moment versus in retrospect. In the present, time often feels slow, but when looking back, it seems to have passed quickly.

The secret to mastering your relationship with time isn't about lamenting the past, but developing the conscious habit of recognizing time's passage right now, in this moment.


Invest Just 5 Minutes Each Morning: The Magic of Simple Journaling

Among the many ways to heighten time awareness, morning journaling is perhaps the most accessible. You don't need fancy tools or lots of time—just a notebook and pen, or even the notes app on your smartphone.

Each morning, with your first cup of coffee, try this:

  1. Record one emotion from yesterday that stands out to you
  2. Note any insights or thoughts that arose upon waking
  3. Write down a quote or personal mantra for the day ahead

With just 5-10 minutes invested, you'll begin experiencing time more consciously. The power lies not in complexity but in consistency.

Many successful people swear by this practice. Tim Ferriss, author and entrepreneur, credits his morning journaling practice for his productivity and mental clarity. Oprah Winfrey has kept journals for decades, calling them "a window into her evolution." Journals become personal time capsules that chart your growth, helping you see patterns and progress that might otherwise be invisible.


Three Morning Affirmations That Transform Your Day

Another practice to try alongside journaling is morning affirmations. While still in bed, during your commute, or with your first coffee, speak these three statements aloud:

  1. "I am happy" – Even if you don't feel it in the moment, this plants seeds of positivity
  2. "I am abundant" – This acknowledges richness in all aspects of life, not just material wealth
  3. "I love my family" – This reaffirms your commitment to your most important relationships

These might feel awkward or even untrue at first, but neuroscience research suggests that consistent affirmations can actually reshape our neural pathways over time. What you repeatedly tell yourself, you eventually believe, and what you believe shapes your experience.

Dr. Joe Dispenza, a neuroscientist and author, explains that "nerve cells that fire together, wire together." When you consistently practice positive affirmations, you're literally rewiring your brain toward positivity.


Morning Journaling: A Choice for the Reflective Soul

Morning journaling goes beyond simple record-keeping. It's a practice centered on reflection, intention-setting, and emotional awareness.

Morning is the ideal time for this practice—your mind is fresh, the day's demands haven't yet taken hold, and you have the opportunity to set the direction for the hours ahead.

This approach works especially well for:

  • People who prefer free expression over rigid recording
  • Those who respond more to emotions than data
  • Anyone seeking a sustainable, simple habit

Many journal practitioners find that their entries become valuable time capsules—windows into past thoughts, struggles, and victories that would otherwise be lost to memory's imperfections.


The Time Ledger: For the Analytically Minded

If you respond better to data and metrics, the "Time Ledger" approach might be more effective for you.

Similar to tracking expenses in a financial budget, a Time Ledger involves meticulously documenting how you spend your hours throughout the day. This practice can reveal surprising patterns:

  • How much time disappears into mindless scrolling
  • The actual duration of your "quick" TV breaks
  • Time spent in unproductive meetings versus deep, focused work

For those who respond well to data and metrics, seeing these patterns quantified can provide the motivation needed to make changes.

Benefits of this method include:

  • Providing objective data on time usage
  • Excellent for identifying hidden time-wasters
  • Increasing accountability for time use

Silicon Valley executives and productivity experts like Cal Newport champion this approach, treating time with the same rigor as financial resources. After all, while money can be earned back, time never returns.


The Remarkable Benefits of Time Awareness

When you consistently develop a practice of time awareness—whether through detailed tracking or reflective journaling—something remarkable happens: the past becomes a valuable guide to your future.

By understanding your daily patterns and emotional responses, you gain:

  • Clearer insight into what truly brings you fulfillment
  • Recognition of time-wasting activities that add little value
  • The ability to predict how future choices might impact your wellbeing
  • A growing appreciation for moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed

Research shows that people with heightened time awareness report:

  • Greater life satisfaction
  • Lower stress levels
  • Better decision-making
  • Improved quality of relationships

Psychologist Laura Carstensen's research at Stanford University shows that people who maintain awareness of life's finite nature tend to prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and experiences, leading to greater overall happiness.


Start Today—Tomorrow Isn't Guaranteed

Remembering our mortality through practices like Memento Mori doesn't diminish life—it enriches it. By calculating your remaining time, understanding time's dual nature, and developing a personal practice of time awareness, you transform your relationship with the hours and days you have left.

Whether you choose the analytical approach of the Time Ledger or the reflective practice of the Morning Journal, the key is consistency and intention. Start today—after all, as Memento Mori reminds us, tomorrow isn't guaranteed.

What small step can you take right now to begin valuing your time more deeply? Perhaps try saying "I am happy" first thing tomorrow morning, and notice how that feeling carries throughout your day. The most remarkable transformation might be just one conscious moment away.


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