They say you don’t value things till you lose them– life isn’t an exception either.
It’s easy for us to say that we take life for granted. We crib about insignificant things and fail to notice the beauty in everything around us. You know what serves as a wake-up call? The realization of the fact that we’re all here for a very, very limited time. We’re all like cartons of milk with an expiry date! Step back and look at things from a humbling perspective because life is indeed too short and frankly, you never know when things could start going downhill.
A Quora user asked an existential question- As a dying person, what is your advice to the living? While all of us were expecting normal answers like travel as if there is no tomorrow, finish your bucket list, be nice to people etc, there was one answer that’ll bring tears to our eyes. User Ossama Suleiman narrated his story- how he battled with cancer, doctors gave up on him and how he gave up on life. 8 years later, he’s still alive to tell his story and how he found the meaning of life all over again. Here’s an excerpt from his answer-
In 2009 I was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a grade 4 brain cancer, after surgery the oncologist came back with the sad news that the statistics look quite ugly, he gave me treatments for 9 months, and 6 months to one year to live. I had no desire to pursue anything further in life…I wanted to quit my job, however my managers managed to convince me to stay with a relaxed schedule…
By continuing to go to work, I kept myself busy, not thinking too much about my cancer.. I travelled , did some of the stuff I always wanted to do, visited places I always wanted to go. I started to revisit my friends, hang out with those I really liked, got rid of those who made me feel sad, or felt pity. I started to be more of a minimalist.. I had no desire in all the nice stuff I had always dreamt of, as My life seemed to come to a stop.
However over time.. I started to realize that I’m happier .. I had special concerns for my parents, I started spending more time with my parents. With my family They are the joy of my life.. Too sad I never realized that earlier. 8 years later I’m still around, although the cancer hit back several times, and my left side is now paralyzed, I’m still active going to work, participating in charities, trying to keep myself busy and active.
With over 2 million views, this story inspired thousands of readers including the user who asked the question. People replied to his story-
Hard not to upvote an inspiring, humbling answer like this. Respect, I wish you many more years sir.
Wow.This is highest form of mental and physical strength. You are working with your full heart and dedication and here I’m who gets tired after doing few hours of studies and office work.Thank you so much for posting this.
You just made my day. What a beautiful start of the day.
Just reminded me of one line. “Add Life to Days not Days to Life.”
Loved it? Read his entire story here.
