Eventually the road here ends for all of us… and it begs the question… How would we live our final day if the road ended today? This premise is interesting from both philosophical and practical perspectives.
We often are fixated only on the future, as if our physical existence was never ending. At some point we will all face a gate that ends our experience of the road. When we will meet that gate is unknown. One thing is certain. The more days we live, the closer that closed gate becomes.
Our journeys can be full of adventure. Learning. Appreciation. Giving. Hope. If that is what we choose to see and experience.
Or, we may choose a road that is narrow and bleak… full of judgement. Recrimination. And, blame for our own shortcomings.
We may spend our time seeking material things in our lives. Hoping to fill an emptiness that lives inside us. Only to discover that these things we seek are transient. The more we try to cram into our emptiness… the greater the emptiness becomes.
Our existence can be self-limiting and constricted. Not recognizing our talents and potential to make a contribution, we may waste them engaged in banalities. Our life purpose can become obscured.
Ignoring the criticisms from others and the limitations that they may attempt to put upon us, allows us the freedom to pursue our life’s purpose. To make the road a little bit better for those behind us.
Even when all appears bright we never know what may lie ahead. Understanding and using our talents in positive ways, helps nurture the courage we need to face the unknown.
And, more importantly… the challenges that we know are on our path… and the effort it will take to overcome them.
We may need to take time to heal… while still maintaining our determination to continue.
If our road ended today… we would fill our day with important things, not trivialities.
If our road ended today… we would appreciate the grandeur that is all around us.
If our road ended today… we would slow down and savour each and every breath. We would tell the special people in our lives how much they mean to us. And, how much we love them.
If our road ended today… we would want to experience the serenity that comes from the knowledge that we lived our lives well… that we did the best we could. And, that we made a difference… if only for a fleeting instant.
Depending on how we have lived, serenity may not greet us at the end of our road. Should that possibility exist we have the metamorphic power of choice to alter our path. We can begin anew… here and now… while we still have the time to do so.
Technical Note
Photographs were captured hand-held using camera gear and technology as noted in the EXIF data. Images were produced from RAW files using my standard process.
How you can help keep this site advertising free
My intent is to keep this photography blog advertising free. If you enjoyed this article and/or my website and would like to support my work, you can purchase an eBook, or make a modest $10 donation through PayPal. Both are most appreciated. You can use the Donate button below. Larger donations can be made to… tom at tomstirr dot com… through PayPal.
Word of mouth is the best form of endorsement. If you like our website please let your friends and associates know about our work. Linking to this site or to specific articles is allowed with proper acknowledgement. Reproducing articles, or any of the images contained in them, on another website or in any social media posting is a Copyright infringement.
Article is Copyright 2021 Thomas Stirr. Images are Copyright 2016-2019 Thomas Stirr. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use. Posting comments on offending websites and calling out individuals who steal intellectual property is always appreciated!
I started to follow your wonderful blog because you are an Olympus user at its best. But now I understand why your pictures are that great…. wise and with that special philosophical twist. You gave me wonderful bites to chew on…. I hope I will recover soon
from your input 😎😎 ……
May you and your family stay healthy
Claudia
We’re glad that you found our photography blog and are enjoying the content Claudia… thank you for your supportive comment!
Tom
Well done, Tom!
As a psychologist, I have always been intrigued by the motivations that I, and others, have used to define the directions of our lives. And I have seen way to many of those directions lead to depression and despair. Certainly living each day as if it were your last is a fundamental principle for happiness.
In order to avoid distractions and pitfalls along the way, I would add another maxim. When dealing with difficult circumstances, ask yourself if it will matter in your life five years from now. If not, put it aside and muddle through without additional worrisome stress. If yes, put your energies to work to create the best outcome possible. However, I have found for both myself and my clients, there are very few issues that we have to deal with that will really matter five years hence.
Thanks for adding your professional expertise to the discussion Bill!
Tom
Wise words! Thank you! And may the road be kind to you.
You’re welcome Joni! My road is as kind as I perceive it to be…
Tom
Thanks for this article. You have made a difference to me. I have been a MFT user for a decade. You have helped by seeing beyond the hardware and into what matters – getting great images.
I’m glad that the articles have been helpful for you Curtis!
Tom
Hi Thomas, sharing your thoughts on that long trip called life and I enjoyed the images of the photo story.
Regards,
Mauro
You’re most welcome Mauro… I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
Tom
Excellent philosophy
.
Thank you Joel.
Tom