Full disclosure the phrase, "The goal of life is to die young — as late as possible," encapsulates a profound philosophy that challenges our traditional notions of aging and mortality. Attributed to the renowned American writer and scholar Ashley Montagu, these words carry a deep wisdom that encourages us to rethink the way we approach our lives.
At first glance, the statement might appear paradoxical, but its essence lies in living a life filled with vitality, purpose, and youthful enthusiasm, regardless of one's ‘age’. It implies that the key to a fulfilling life is not in the quantity of years lived but in the quality of those years.
In life we are served a curve ball that brings sadness and loss and feels like it is just unfair, not if but when, this is a fact of life we have no choice in this it is not in our control, but it does pass and you move on. We are responsible for how we deal with it but hey, be nice to yourself and just like the water that runs through a stream it will pass.
To "die young — as late as possible" means to approach each day with a sense of wonder and passion, pursuing the things that bring us joy and fulfilment. It urges us to discover our purpose, engage in meaningful activities, and nourish our souls with experiences that make us feel truly alive. Whether it's exploring new places, learning new skills, or building meaningful relationships, a life lived with purpose knows no age limits.
Embracing this philosophy involves cultivating a youthful mindset. It means being open to new experiences, unafraid of change, and curious about the world. A youthful mind is not bound by stereotypes or prejudices; it is receptive to learning, exploring, and embracing the unknown. Such a mindset keeps us vibrant, creative, and resilient, regardless of the number of candles on our birthday cake the amount of candles does not define us!
To achieve the goal of dying young, as late as possible, we must prioritise our physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest are the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, nurturing our mental health through relaxation, meditation, and meaningful connections with others is equally important. A healthy body and mind enable us to pursue our passions and enjoy life to the fullest.
Meaningful connections with others form an integral part of a fulfilling life. Cultivating friendships, maintaining close family ties, and fostering a sense of community contribute significantly to our overall happiness. Positive relationships provide emotional support, create cherished memories, and add depth and meaning to our existence.
Living by the philosophy of dying young teaches us to savour the present moment. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we learn to appreciate the beauty of the now. Being mindful, practicing gratitude, and ‘finding joy’ in everyday moments enrich our lives and make the journey worthwhile.
In essence, the goal of life is not to reach the end swiftly, but to savour the journey, embracing each day with enthusiasm, gratitude, and a youthful spirit. By living with purpose, nurturing our well-being, building meaningful connections, and appreciating the present, we can truly fulfil the aspiration of "dying young — as late as possible." In doing so, we discover that age is just a number, and the true essence of life lies in the way we live it.
Through the conduit of exercise you can make a start on really living your life, any of my clients will tell you that training with me is in part fun that is an absolute pre-requisite, sure it can be hard work really hard work but the sense of achievement and wellbeing gained out weighs that hard work. I am more concerned with what our sessions add to your life outside of the training sessions.
These are key principles that under pin what I use within my ‘Holistic Integrated Training System’ (HITS). A one-hour workout is approximately 4% of your day the rest of the day is up to you!