In the book and Netflix mini-series One Day, a central theme is the idea that a person’s date of death is unknown and that year after year, the date goes by unacknowledged. The death day is referred to as “sly and unseen.” It will be known someday and be an important date in the person’s life. It will go on their tombstone. Survivors will remember their loved one’s date of birth and date of death, but while a person is living, it is not known.
Indeed, such an important part of one’s story is yet to unfold. It brings home the point that all we have each day is what is here right now. Nothing is promised. Life is fragile and Death Day can come at any time.
The idea that the date of death is unknown but important prompts the recognition that when we make plans, they are not set in stone. We know this not just because we may die before they come to fruition, but because life happens. Flights get cancelled, an event is rained out, people get sick. We can mark our calendars and make plans for the future, but whether those plans will play out is a mystery.
Earlier, perhaps you worried that you can’t fit into a particular dress, or that you double booked an evening and will be forced to cancel something, but the realization that nothing is promised puts things into perspective. We do not know what will happen. Maybe we win the lottery and just cancel all of our business meetings, or maybe an unexpected opportunity forces you to change your vacation schedule. The point is, anything can happen—good or bad-so while making plans is perfectly fine, don’t hold too tight to them as the universe has its own. The only thing we ever have is the present moment.
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