It was my first day back in my hometown of sunny Singapore. I was admiring the sunrise and getting ready for a wholesome breakfast… when I got sucked into a conversation with my grandmother about death.
I’ve always known that time is precious. Which is why I make the most of it, filling my time with things that I value and ruthlessly cutting unnecessary shit out. But it’s even more precious for my grandparents, who think that they could go at any moment. I guess that’s the thought that consumes most old people’s minds.
People say that I have a YOLO mentality because I’m focused on actively savouring the present and not worrying about the future. And I freakin’ love it.
I’m blessed that my present includes my loving grandparents, beautiful views, amazing food, kind strangers, quality time with friends and constant adventures as I don’t plan anything and just go where my feet take me. The realisation that the possibilities are endless. That the future holds exciting things and I just need to trust the process.
I think my grandparents could do the same. Over the past few days that I’ve spent with them, I’ve noticed that they constantly come from a place of lack.
They complain about little things like a taxi driver charging them $1 extra when they have no problem spending money on an expensive meal. They complain about their maid not being able to do some things well when they’re fortunate to even have a maid in the first place.
Sometimes, when we’re complaining about all kinds of little things we lack in our lives… all we need is some perspective. There is so much to be grateful for. What about the fact that we’re even still alive?
I thought about what would happen if I died tomorrow. There are many people who would be sad… but the world would keep going.
I wondered if my parents would lose their reason for being. Would they start thinking that life was pointless now that their only child was gone? I hope not.
I hope that people will not mourn my passing. I hope that they will celebrate everything that was my life. Isn’t that the whole point of life? To live one worth living and worth celebrating? None of that “oh such a young person gone too soon” bullshit, please. People of all ages are dying every single day. The world is unpredictable.
One thing is for certain: death is inevitable. There’s no point thinking about what could have been when it’s out of our control! So don’t wait to do things that you’ve been meaning to do. You might not wake up tomorrow. Do it today.
In my lifetime, I want to empower as many people as possible to create abundance in their lives and live up to their fullest potential. When I go, I hope that those around me will continue to make that happen. But grand vision aside, I just want to make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet whenever I can.
If you’re reading this, know that I love and appreciate you. Even though I might not be able to tell you in person or often enough. You’re an amazing human being and I’m glad that you’re in my life! 💕
I would also like to thank my lovely grandparents for giving me the most amazing time in Singapore. Thank you for your unconditional love and generosity!