What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?

Having a long life is a privilege, not a right.

Not everyone gets a long life, though there are many deserving people of it.

The concept of it is whimsical. We’re often told that to die “old and in our beds” is the way to go.

I agree and disagree to this testament. I agree in the sense that a long life is good if you truly live it, learn from it, and experience it. I agree that it is good if you can learn from your mistakes, pick yourself up with grace when you fall short of others as well as your own expectations and commit to being better every day. A long life is lovely if you allow life to be your teacher.

I disagree in the sense that a long life can be lonely if you allow yourself to get trapped in cycles, never take chances, and stick only to what you know. A long life can be repetitive and unyielding if you allow your failures the opportunity to thwart you from trying again. Life can be hard and unforgiving when patterns aren’t broken and you allow fear to dictate your decision.

Ultimately the concept of ‘a long life’ lies in each and every one of us. We are the authors of our stories. Some of us will die young and have extremely fulfilling experiences which make up for the lack of longevity; while some of us will live to a ripe old age and gain nothing from what life tried to teach them. However, the blessed few, will achieve both.

The only concept I put much stock in is hope. For hope is something that can never be taken from us and I hope my loved ones and I should be so lucky to be blessed with such meaningful longevity.