I only want to live as long as I'm useful

I don’t want to have lived in vain like most people. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to everyone, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death .

~ Anne Frank

Our son-in-law recently asked me, “If you could choose, how long would you live?”

My answer surprised him. “As long as I’m useful.”

Over the last five years, while working full-time in a corporate job, he has fathered our two granddaughters, earned an MBA, published a book on nutrition, and started a supplement company, Nexum. He has worked hard to monetize his passion while nourishing his family.

Like many other longevity, health and fitness enthusiasts, he aspires to help people live longer and healthier.

An opportunity to share my thoughts

My mother was the greatest mother in the world. She thought I was the greatest thing on two feet. I’d come home with a little composition I had written at school, and she’d look at it and say, ‘It’s wonderful! You’re another Shakespeare!’ I always assumed I could do anything. It really is amazing how much that has to do with your attitude.

 ~ Stan Lee

My answer surprised our son-in-law. He wanted the number of years, but I admitted that I was indifferent.

Our daughter chimed in, asking if I didn’t wish to attend our granddaughters’ graduations, weddings and other milestone events.

This presented an opportunity to share my thoughts.

Of course, I’d love nothing more than to be there to celebrate and applaud my children and grandchildren’s memorable life events and to help cushion the blow when life presents challenges. But when I am no longer self-sufficient and able to serve others, I am happy to pass.

No matter how debilitated, however, I would never intentionally end my own life or ask a doctor to take me out of my misery. It goes against my core values.

Closing thoughts

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

~ Mahatma Gandhi

I have no fear of death.

Where there is a will to live, there is a way.

I will continue to eat, think, sleep, move and socialize well.

Having been prompted to learn from many who have experienced near-death experiences (NDE’s), I am determined to stay until my soul contract is fulfilled. I want my life review to go well. I don’t want to come back.

When I said that, our son-in-law wondered if my life had been disproportionately sad.

On the contrary, I have had a blessed life. All my dreams eventually come true.