There is an old adage that I think about often: “make the most out of life”. 

What does that adage mean to you? 

To me, it has certainly felt like a lot of pressure. It has meant at times that I’ve felt enormously guilty when I felt that I’ve wasted time or missed opportunities. It has felt like external pressure that my life is meant to match some sort of standard of productivity or progression. 

I know there are many of you who have expressed your own regret to me of things in your life that you haven’t achieved. And others who feel that their capacity to “do” is dwindling as the months and years pass. Sometimes it feels like this capacity is reducing by the day. 

So how do we grapple with these feelings? How do we get to the end of our lives feeling satisfied that we have “done enough”? I would love for you to share with me your wisdom in answering those questions. 

My perspective is as follows:

• We need to accept that we’ve done what we’ve done. Be pleased with the accomplishments and celebrate them with pride. These could be finishing high school, making lovely friends, having children or being prime minister. Find the things and be grateful. 
• We need to accept that we haven’t done what we haven’t done. Is there opportunity to still do these things? If so – aim to do them. If not, then grief and acceptance is needed. Support from a psychologist may be needed. 
• While you’ve still got brain cells firing and blood pumping there is still opportunity to make the most of life. This could mean reading a book, breathing in fresh air, watching the birds, talking to someone, writing your memoir, volunteering, going on that trip you’ve dreamed of,  having a sponsor child – the list is literally endless.
• There should be no pressure. If you enjoy running marathons – do it. If you like to drink tea – do it. Always ensure your decisions have your health in mind – as well as your enjoyment.