News & Blog

The Dalai Llama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, said: “ Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”

Does this ring familiar?

Recently someone pulled out a tape measure to the average life span, then said to me;  “put your finger on your age…   What are you going to do with the time left?”

It was a sobering moment.

This is the time of year when we reflect on such things.  Most of the time we’re caught up in the present.  The start of a New Year gives us the opportunity to live life deliberately, and craft our future rather than being victims of it

Are we in a job that fits our personality, are we fully engaged?

Many of us plan professional goals this time of year.  But what about family goals, what will we do to strengthen the bonds? Our personal goals, our bucket list…what’s our dream vacation or activity?  Our legacy?

Are we living a life that matters?

To quote Michael Josephson

‘What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.
What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.