Life is Too Short

An unapologetically honest guide to living fully

Every time I say these four little words— “Life is too short”—I get bombarded with reactions. Not just casual nods or polite smiles. No, I get full-blown resistance. Eyebrows rise. Eyes roll. And suddenly, I’m in the middle of an unintentional TED Talk on mortality.

I’ve heard it all:

• “May Allah give you a long life.”
• “As if you know when you’re going to die.”
• “Don’t be so pessimistic.”
• “Trying to gain sympathy, huh?”
• “Why say such foolish things?”
• “Blah, blah, blah.”

But here’s the catch: I’m not being pessimistic. I’m being realistic. More than that—I’m being optimistic. Because to me, the phrase “life is too short” doesn’t mean “give up.” It means wake up.

It means live boldly, laugh often, and don’t save your best china for “someday.” That someday may never come. And even if it does—it deserves your best self, not your exhausted leftovers.

The Optimism in Realism

Let’s be clear—saying “life is too short” isn’t about predicting your death. It’s about upgrading your life. I say it because I’ve learned (often the hard way) that waiting for the “perfect moment” is the fastest route to never.

You know the type—always saying:

• “Once I retire…”
• “When the kids are older…”
• “Let me just finish this one project…”
• “Maybe next year…”

Before you know it, next year has grey hair and joint pain.

So what am I really trying to say?

• Live your life fully.
• Enjoy your time while you can.
• Laugh loudly, eat heartily, and dance badly if it makes you happy.
• Travel. See places. Even if it’s just a road trip to the next city.

Because my friend, life is short—and the earlier you accept that, the longer it feels.

Letting Go of the “After-Me” Obsession

One of the biggest mistakes we make—especially in our culture—is saving too much for our children.

Listen:
You gave them life.
You gave them love.
You gave them education.

That’s your job done.

Now it’s their turn to build. To grow. To figure things out. Don’t sacrifice your peace, your health, or your dreams for their uncertain future. Teach them independence—not inheritance.

Save what you need.
Spend what you love.
And leave the rest to Allah.

Because He is Ar-Razzaq—the Provider. Not you.

Reclaiming Relationships

Meet your friends. Visit your relatives. Especially the elders who still remember your childhood stories and make tea with real cardamom.

Stop saying “let’s meet soon” and start saying “see you Friday.”

You’d be surprised how quickly “soon” turns into too late.

Also: don’t waste your energy on people who bring negativity, envy, or unnecessary drama into your life. Life is short. You don’t need that garbage in your mental living room.

Your Body is Not a Machine (Well, Not a Perfect One)

Exercise if you can. But if not, at least move. Stretch. Walk. Use your legs before they start sending passive-aggressive messages via back pain.

Eat good food—not just healthy, but quality. Fresh, flavorful, nourishing. Don’t be a calorie accountant. Be a taste enthusiast.

Sleep well. Hydrate. And stop pretending like working 18 hours a day is a badge of honor. It’s not. It’s a countdown clock.

The Joy of Doing Things (Even Badly)

Pick up an old hobby. Learn a new one. Paint badly. Sing off-key. Write poorly. Cook experimentally.

Do it for you. Not for Instagram likes or LinkedIn claps.

Do what you missed because life got in the way. And don’t worry if you’re not “good” at it. Being bad at something you love is infinitely better than being good at something that drains your soul.

Boundaries are Beautiful

If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve already played the role of counselor, referee, mediator, and unsolicited advisor.

It’s time to retire.

You don’t need to patch every fight. Solve every feud. Or carry other people’s emotional garbage.

If someone insists on dragging drama into your life, politely give them directions—to someone else’s house.

Say What You Mean. Especially About Food.

Speak your mind. Honestly. Kindly. Firmly.

If you don’t like the biryani, say it. If someone’s energy drains you, create distance. If a conversation isn’t for you, excuse yourself.

This doesn’t make you rude. It makes you free.

Silence is golden—but honesty is platinum.

Give Back—Even Just a Little

You’ve lived, seen, learned. Now it’s your turn to contribute. Mentor someone. Volunteer your time. Teach a skill. Share wisdom.

Your experience is priceless. Don’t let it retire with you.

You don’t need a big platform or millions of followers to make an impact. Sometimes, helping one person breathe easier is the most powerful thing you can do.

The Humor in It All

Life’s funny. Painfully, beautifully funny.

So laugh. At yourself. At situations. At the absurdity of it all.

Because the only thing worse than growing old… is growing bitter.

Laughing doesn’t make your problems disappear—but it gives them less power.

Buy chocolate. Wear bright colors. Watch silly comedies. Laugh till your stomach hurts.

Final Thoughts (But Not Too Final)

If you take anything from this, let it be this:

Do not delay your life.

The clock is ticking whether you notice or not.
Don’t waste time explaining yourself to people who will never understand.
Don’t wait for perfect conditions.
Don’t live by someone else’s checklist.

And above all—don’t apologize for wanting peace, joy, and a bit of chocolate cake.

Because truly, and always—life is too short.

So make it delicious.