Every Day You Get Closer to Your Death
6 tips for living fully before it’s too late.
Posted January 12, 2026 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk
Every day you get closer to your death. This is the phrase that shook me to my core when my high school teacher, Mr. Murphy, presented it in Religious Knowledge class. I was 14 years old. I immediately objected, calling it depressive in an attempt to protect my classmates—or perhaps myself. He looked straight at me and said, “It is simply the truth. Take it as you wish.”
I fell silent as he moved on to guide the class into a group discussion. Frankly, I don’t remember much of what followed. Maybe the shock blocked it out. Or maybe I simply wasn’t ready to listen.
Now, approaching the age he probably was when he said those words, I not only understand them—I admire his honesty. Too often, we forget that life is finite. We move through our days as if time were unlimited, assuming there will always be a “later.” And because of that, we often postpone the very things that bring us the most joy.
Let’s work hard now and enjoy life later.
I’ll do what I dream of doing when I’m retired.
I can't make time for pleasure right now. It can wait until tomorrow, next week, or next year.
I’ll live where I really want to live when I’m older.
The reality is, we don’t know how much “later” any of us has. We can’t predict our health, the state of the world, or what circumstances will shape our future. The only thing we truly know for certain is this moment right here. This breath and this day.
None of us knows when we will die. But we all will, that is certain. And yes, as Mr. Murphy so simply and wisely pointed out, every day we are getting closer to that day.
Far from being morbid, acknowledging this can be liberating. It can wake us up. It can help us stop wasting time and start making the most of the time we have. Here’s how:
These ideas may sound simple. They are. But will they require effort and practice? Yes. Will they always be easy? Probably not. But the cost of ignoring them is far greater. The cost of regret on your deathbed is immeasurable.
Don’t make that mistake. Remember: Every day you get closer to your death. Let that truth push you toward living fully, intentionally, and honestly. Start today.
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Susanna Newsonen, MAPP, is a philosopher and writer. Her mission is to spread hope and love, one reader at a time.
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.