10
Make Every Day Count

OUR DAYS ARE numbered. No matter how hard we try to prolong our time on earth, the reality is that we are mere mortals and will not live forever. Although we may fantasize about what it would be like to relive the past, ultimately we must figure out how to make the most of our time while we are here in the living present. Each moment we waste is a potential source of regret and literally time lost.

The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Are we passengers on a journey through time or are we explorers on a mission of discovery?” In the latter case, each day is an opportunity to embrace life as active participants rather than as casual observers. Instead of being aloof and detached, we must get engaged and make every day count. Likewise, as opposed to remaining ambivalent, we need to be deliberate about how we spend our time. Sitting on the sidelines and watching life from afar will only result in apathy and regret.

Several summers ago my grandmother, whom we called Gigi, passed away after a long and happy life of ninety-one years. No one knew how to make every day count like Gigi. Until the very end, she was a world traveler, a political activist, and a philanthropist. She had a true zest for life and loved to laugh. She was also the first to help extended family members in need. She was playful, funny, beautiful, thoughtful, caring, and kind. She came to every family event near or far and was the undisputed life of the party. At 6:00 a.m. each day she was singing and already on the go, prepared to leave her mark on the world. No day was finished until Gigi had fully lived it.

What fascinated me about Gigi was that she talked about death without any fear or reluctance. She made it clear that because she made every day count, she would have no regrets when she died. I can’t even begin to count the times I heard her in perfect health utter the words “When I’m dead and gone I won’t regret a thing” as she spoke openly about what she was going to bequeath everyone.

Less than a year before Gigi died, she flew across the country to come visit us. Her health was noticeably deteriorating, but she still had her wits about her. When I asked how she was feeling, she gave me a response that I’ll never forget. “Don’t worry about me, darling—I’ve lived a great life,” she said defiantly. “I’ve traveled. I was married to an amazing man. I have twenty-two wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, plus I have twice as many nieces and nephews. I’ve had good health and lots of happiness. Really, now, what more could you possibly ask for? I’ve seen it all and done it all! So when I die, don’t you dare cry for me. Don’t take pity on my life and waste your tears. I’ll have no regrets because I’ve lived every day to the fullest.”

Making every day count is something that each of us can do. However, it requires more than just well-intended rhetoric for it to become a reality. It takes effort, dedication, a thirst for adventure, and the resolve to get actively involved in life as opposed to watching it pass us by.

You have only one life to live, so start living it. Strive to make the most of each day. Live with unbridled passion and enthusiasm. Find ways to make your day more memorable and worthwhile. Get involved in a cause that’s important to you. Go to places you haven’t been before. Hang out with people you actually enjoy spending time with. Splurge every once in a while. Be curious and keep learning. Laugh out loud. Make every day count so you get the most out of what life has to offer.

Make every day count
so you get the most out of
what life has to offer.

∼ What will you do to make every day count?

∼ What challenges will you face in making this happen?