A few years ago our family was gathered around the table for a game of Apples to Apples. The competition was fierce and the trash talk was in full effect. Everyone was focused, hoping to walk away with a win.
Roughly 15 minutes into our game, I suddenly remembered a super important email I’d forgotten to send.
It was already past the deadline I’d promised, and it would take at least 30 minutes to write properly. In that money, my presence was divided. Physically, I was sitting at my kitchen table. Mentally, I was worried about the person I had let down and the ramifications of not sending that email.
I had a choice to make. I could disrupt game night, find my computer, and write the email. I could sit in my emotionally hijacked state and then run off to do the email as soon as the game was over. Or I could accept that the email would have to wait and put my full attention back where it belonged–with my family.
The choice was obvious the second I remembered one of my favorite questions from Tim Ferriss’ book Tribe of Mentors.
“When I’m old, how much would I be willing to pay to travel back in time and relive the moment that I’m experiencing right now?” – Muneeb Ali
If I were old and could come back to this exact time–playing cards with my family, all of us together, laughing and enjoying each other’s company– what would I give for that chance?
Everything.
So I made my choice. I got myself fully present, both in body and spirit, and jumped back into the game. That email would sort itself out later.
This question is one we can all use, whether you’re in the good or challenging times of life. Thinking about how much you’d give to relive your current moment, looking back from your final days, helps you value what you have and appreciate both the good opportunities and the tough obstacles on a deeper level.
I encourage you to try this perspective. It might just bring that same fullness to your life too.
Live Freed,
-Jordan
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