“What Will Matter” by Michael Josephson
“Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end. It won’t matter whether you where beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built;
Not what you got, but how you gave.What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.What will matter are not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.”
Maybe this is something we all should think about when the new year stands on our doorstep, personal I will … for sure.
This story is written by Michael Josephson (1942) is a former law professor and attorney who founded the nonprofit Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics[ located in Los Angeles, California, out of which he operates as a speaker and lecturer on the subject of ethics. The institute is named after his parents (text; en.wikipedia.org)
“It is not living that matters,
but living rightly”
Socrates
Photos provided by and thanks to; valiantspirit.com/mathrubhumi.com/
republicaboy.com/china.us.com/zboostyourbusiness.com/doblelol.com/
martingover.com
This is truth about living. Wow.
Yes, we all know that – but very few of us remember it. I think it’s a brilliant short story.
Sheer perfection, Viveka. Thanks for sharing. Great reminder of what is important.
Tahira, thank you so much …. I just found it by accident – and I thounght we all need a little reminder now and then … what is truly important to us in the end.
Very insightful post and one of my favorite songs though I never heard it song by Lucie. I am currently am trying to live mindfully in this moment and enjoy whats left. Hugs Viveka!
° ☾ ° ¸. ● ¸ . ★ ° :. . • ° . :. . ¸ . ● ¸ ★ ★☾ °★ . . °☆ . ● ¸ . ★ ° . • ○ ° ★ . ☾ ° ¸. ● ¸ ° ☾ °☆ . ¸. ★ You have been sprinkled with Christmas Snow, Peace, Love, and Happiness! Happy New Year !!★ ° ☾ ☆. •☾ °☆ . ● ¸ . ★ ° :. . • ○ ° ★ . . . ° . ● . ° ☾ °☆ ¸. ● . ★ ★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ ★ :. . • ○ ° ★ . . ★ ★ ° ☾ ☆. •
One of my favorite songs too … came across Lucie’s version on Youtube – about two years ago – and I like hers better now. That is the song that will send me on my last journey for sure.
Thanks for the pretty message – stars and moons … lovely.
Anytime V !
This is a real reminder of what we should be doing in the year to come… a re focus on what is more important than most the things that fill our minds… great post Viveka… one I’m going to print and stick on the wall as a constant reminder for 2014…
Rob, just what I thought when I found it … and I will do the same as you and Maralee … make a print out. Excellent idea.
What a fabulous post for the end of the year. It gives us all something to think about. I agree with Rob – I’m going to print it and hang in on my wall both at home and at work. Thanks.
Rob’s idea just great and I will do the same. It’s a brilliant short story and it truly made me start thinking twice on my values and what I will be remembered by – not by all my shoes and handbags … that’s for sure.
I’d better start right now! 🙂
You’re not alone …we all need to get started right now! *laughter
That’s it.
a WOW! Sharing with my boys. ♥
Thank you so much for the reblog … I just love this short story.
So much meaning in these words!
Yes, I thought it was a great idea to post this short story when the new year is so near.
Reblogged this on stuff i tell my sister and commented:
Perfect for seeing out the old year and bringing in the new. Thank you to my friend Viveka for sharing! ♥
I come here via stuffitellmysister and am so glad she reblogged your post. Words to live by, thank you.
Diana, thank you so much for taking the time to visit and for comment. So true … but we so easily forget it.
I wish you a Happy New Year.
Thank you for sharing this well written piece. It is a perfect and thought provoking way to end the year. And your choice of music fit in so well…good job.
Karen, I truly love when you’re in one of my corners. *smile
I found it more or less by accident and thought what a great message to all of us .. for the new year.
One of my favorite songs and especially Lucie’s version.
Rebloged with comment at http://sheridegrom.com.
Sheri, a hearty thank you!
Reblogged this on Sheri de Grom and commented:
I first came upon this posting Via http://stuffitellmysister.me. I’m always guaranteed a honest and thought provoking read from Paula. The post originates at http://myguiltypleasures.wordpress.com. The prose provides a perfect opportunity for me to reflect on 2013 and approach 2014 with hopefully additional wisdom and acceptance to change.
What a lovely way to bring in 2014, for me. Thanks so much. I found you through Sheri de Grom and will now subscribe to your blog posts.
Patricia, thank you for visiting .. and welcome to my world. *smile – Patrica … I’m a SHE!!! *laughing.
W–o–w. Something to ponder, to reflect upon and remember.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you too … I think we need to be reminded in a couple of months again.
I DO agree. 🙂
Perfect music for this post, Viveka.
I love the Socrates quote, and your whole post. Truly, here lies the value of life.
Noeleen, thank you so much … yes, it’s a very real story.
Yes this is the “Eternal Truth”. Thanks for sharing Viveka.
My pleasure … thanks for visiting. Happy New Year!
Viveka–Thanks so much for sharing this. (Sheri de Grom mentioned it on her site.) It’s a perfect reflection for the new year. Happy New Year! –John
John, thank you so much for visiting .. for taking the time to comment. I personal think that we need a reminder more often. Happy New Year to you too and welcome back!
You are simply impressive in all the right ways~
Cindy, thank you so much .. for your kind words.