Ending on a very high note

The way I see things, I feel that our lives should progress at a crescendo and I’m always looking for tools, tricks or advice to keep on growing, so when it’s time, my life will end on the highest note possible. In theory this sounds like a fabulous way to keep on building a rich life based on quality, wisdom, and resonance until the final note is a joyous culmination and not a sad, depressing end. 

To that end – No pun intended! – I’ve tried to search for tools, mindsets, and practices that can help us grow toward that grand finale, of course as long as we stay in good bodily, mental and cognitive health. This might begin with cultivating a growth philosophy, including a commitment to lifelong learning, but continuously feeding our curiosity—whether it’s learning a foreign language, science, or the promises and nuances of artificial intelligence. 

Learning keeps our minds agile and our spirits engaged. Personally, that’s what writing a daily blog does for me. Another way to advance towards that goal is to align ourselves with purpose and legacy by researching, gathering and organizing family archives, documents photos and videos for future generations, or work on a digital time capsule. This activity honors our past and shapes how we’ll want to be remembered. 

Sharing our insights with younger people or peers is also part of that effort. Our blend of empathy and analytical clarity can be a gift others can learn from. This is also time to deepen our relationships by making a concerted effort to nurture old friendships and support loved ones. Even small gestures, like a well-timed message for a birthday or something else and a shared memory will go a long way in cementing and strengthening a strong network of active relationships. 

At the same time, let’s not be shy about engaging with emotionally rich films, books, and music. Let them stir our soul and reflect our journey. Keeping a clear head is also critical, meditating or other forms of mindfulness will help us stay grounded and in touch with the present moment, especially as life becomes more complex. Containing and controlling our “digital life” is also extremely important as we keep it to a minimum by maintaining a clean and measured tech ecosystem with apps that serve our goals and notifications that respect our peace. 

I could add to that list something I’ve never done, like an annual “Life Review” or some kind of retreat that could be a solo or shared ritual, to reflect, re-calibrate, and celebrate progress. Then, I would suggest having the courage to plan for the “last chapter” in a way that’s empowering and certainly not morbid, by designing how we want our final years to feel in ways of picking what we want to prioritize, where and how we’ll live and what we’ll still create!