Chapter 9 - How Much Time Do We Have On Earth?
Chapter 9 - How Much Time Do We Have On Earth?
BY PATRICK HO
“Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time,' is like saying, 'I don't want to.” - Lao Tzu
The Rhythms of Life
Most of us navigate our daily lives by a predictable schedule. The day often begins with the jarring sound of an alarm, pulling us out of sleep and into the familiar routine: the bathroom, personal grooming, and selecting the outfit of the day. Breakfast is prepared, and then we are off to work, ready to meet the demands of our professional lives.
Of course, the daily rhythm shifts depending on our phase of life. For a new parent, the day is dictated by the needs of an infant. For most retirees, the schedule opens up, filled instead with meaningful ways to stay engaged—perhaps tending a garden, pursuing a new hobby, or finally tackling home repairs and beautification projects.
Life, in all its various seasons, is beautiful. The imperative is clear: Live it to the fullest. Do not allow anyone to dictate your choices or your path. Strive to be a happy, peace-loving, kind-hearted, and generous person. Before your time is done, commit to giving more than you take.
The Inevitability of Farewell
Despite our routines and plans, there is one certainty: death will arrive. It is a fundamental, unpredictable part of the human experience. While death can come unexpectedly, it often follows a natural course: the aging process, where our physical body and internal organs gradually begin to fail.
In our prime, we possess peak mental and physical fitness. But as we approach and pass the age of 55, the body begins to send undeniable signals that the process of senescence is underway.
This natural endpoint compels a crucial question: What happens after we die? What becomes of the people and possessions we leave behind? For those we love, life will continue, as it must, eventually leading them to the same conclusion.
In life, there is death. That is a fact.
The truly defining question is: What legacy are we going to leave behind? Who will inherit the pieces of unfinished business, financial matters, property, and other responsibilities? If you have children or trusted relatives, you are fortunate, as they may be able to help sort out your affairs and arrange your final farewell. The ease of this transition depends entirely on the plans you create while you are alive.
While you are alive, just remember to be humble and realize that all your worldly possessions mean nothing in death. All that you worked hard for - the house, cars, watches, clothes and all other material possessions - will not follow you in death.
Try your best to rid yourself of desires and cravings of owning and possessing material things in this world. Practice detachment, loving kindness, be compassionate, learn empathy, be mindful and aware to others, and yourself.
Preparing For Your Absence
Before we leave this world, there are four essential actions to take that ensure peace for yourself and for those you love.
1. Execute A Will
If you own assets of value - property, land, a business, investments, or significant material possessions - it is imperative to consult a lawyer to draw up a legally sound will. Never leave your wealth to become a source of conflict for your heirs. While it is often challenging, try to manage potential disputes by clearly documenting your wishes.
Document Everything: List all your assets and, equally important, all your outstanding liabilities, including bank loans or personal debts.
Settle Debts: Settle all possible debts before your time is up. If you cannot, remember that debt generally stays with the estate. Your duty is to avoid leaving a financial mess for others to clean up.
2. Create a Bucket List
Compile a list of things you have not yet done but deeply desire to experience. This could be places you have never visited or activities you have always wanted to try but put off. Creating a bucket list is an act of fully engaging with the time you have left.
Instructions for Others: Also make a list of instructions or requests for anything that will need attention after your disappearance from Earth.
Don't Forget Your Pets! Ensure that arrangements are made for the care and welfare of your animal companions.
3. Seek Repentance
No human is perfect. We are often flawed, making mistakes and saying or doing things that hurt others.
Accountability is key. Criminals often pay for their crimes through the justice system, but everyone must face their personal actions.
Before your end, take the time to reflect on those you have wronged and apologize to them. Settling all possible financial and emotional debts is an act of cleansing and grace.
4. Prioritize Family and Friends
We humans are temporary visitors. Before we leave, we must strive to live life to the fullest in the right company. When was your last meaningful reunion with family and friends?
Make a conscious effort to reconnect with those who have been a part of your life. It is not about what they brought to your life, but about the connection itself. Regular get-togethers are crucial, as they help ensure your memory and legacy are passed down to younger generations. We often take for granted how profoundly our actions and words inadvertently impact the lives of others.
The most crucial thing we can do is to live happily and peacefully with all others on this planet.
The Fragility of Power
I recall a period in my life, as Editor-in-Chief of Golf Digest Malaysia, where I was introduced to many rich and famous people. When you are vital to a person’s agenda - getting their news published or their company highlighted - you are central to their world.
Then, one day, the position ends. The phone stops ringing, and the invitations to grand dinner events dry up.
We must learn to accept the fundamental truth that everything that has a beginning will eventually have an end. We must actively practice letting go of our past glory, achievements, and professional importance.
We all fail to grasp how fragile and fleeting life truly is. This becomes tragically clear when physical health deteriorates. It is heartbreaking to witness a human being lose their physical strength and watch the decay process of the flesh begin.
I once met a prominent businessman at a golf club. He was loud, demanding, and shockingly rude to the waiters. Was he trying to impress me with his wealth, or was he simply born with a poor attitude? Regardless, he was kind enough to buy me lunch.
More than a year later, I bumped into him at the same club. I did not recognize the man who approached me until he spoke. He had shrunk, lost a tremendous amount of weight, and was bald. “Yes, it is me, Patrick,” he said after observing my stunned facial expression.
He revealed that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer since our last meeting and was undergoing chemotherapy. I do not know his fate, but the episode had a profound impact on me.
It was a stark lesson that just in an instant, everything in your life can change when you least expect it.
I began to appreciate life more deeply. My new core commitment became the daily practice of gratitude and thankfulness. Be grateful, even for the smallest things in life.
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