I came across a graveyard overlooking a mountain range on a run through Vermont. The beauty of a blue sky fading into the dark green hillside was a stark contrast to the tombstones most near me. Those mountains will remain long after I lay with the dead.

“Momento moir” is a stoic reminder of our own mortality. We do not need to fear death, but rather, should be afraid of not living fully. We are too often caught up in trivial matters of the day. Remembering that you have to die is a reminder to focus on what is important.

When people close to death are asked what they would have done differently, they almost universally say spend more time with families and friends, travel more, and to be more adventurous. No one says they wish they spent more time in the office, complained more about the weather, or argued more about politics. Shared experiences with loved ones is what it means to be human. This is where we should spend our time.

We are all mortal. This is a good thing. It is even better to have perspective in the present moment. This empowers you to live your life as if you had the benefit of hindsight. Leave work early. Take you kids to the park. Go see that place you’ve admired. Buy the ticket. Take the ride.

We all get to die. We can all choose to live well. When my days fade from a blue sky into a dark green hillside, I hope I chose to spend those days with the people I care for most.