Death is often viewed as a topic to be avoided and ignored until it inevitably happens. However, acknowledging our own mortality can have surprising benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. Creating a memento mori is a tangible way to confront this reality and can serve as a powerful source of motivation.
The term Memento Mori comes from the Latin phrase “remember you must die.” A Memento Mori can be any object or symbol that reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment.
A memento mori calendar is a powerful tool that can help us track the passage of time and reflect on our mortality. With this type of calendar, you can see how many days, weeks, or months you have left to live, based on your current age and life expectancy. By tracking the days you have lived and the days you have left, you can gain a greater appreciation for the preciousness of time and the importance of making the most of every moment.
Using our free template, you can fill in a cell on the calendar at the end of every week to signify another week of life that has passed, and a week less of life that you have left. While it may seem morbid to some, a memento mori calendar can be a powerful tool for mindfulness and motivation, helping us to live with greater purpose and intention. Here’s why:
It reminds you of what’s important.
When we’re caught up in the day-to-day grind, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. Creating a memento mori can help you focus on the things that are truly important in your life. It can serve as a reminder to spend time with loved ones, pursue your passions, and make the most of every moment.
It puts things in perspective.
When we’re faced with challenges or setbacks, it can be easy to get discouraged and lose sight of the big picture. A memento mori can help you keep things in perspective. It reminds you that the challenges you’re facing are temporary and that life is short. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
It helps you live with intention.
When you’re confronted with the reality of your own mortality, it can be a wake-up call to live with intention. Creating a memento mori can help you clarify your values and set goals that align with them. It can also serve as a reminder to live in a way that is true to yourself and your beliefs.
It encourages gratitude.
Gratitude is a powerful tool for happiness and well-being. When we’re reminded of our mortality, we’re more likely to appreciate the things we have in our lives. Creating a memento mori can help you cultivate a sense of gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities that make life worth living.
If you think having a Memento Mori calendar is too morbid, you can try creating your own Memento Vivere. A "memento vivere" can take many different forms depending on personal preference and interpretation. Some people may choose to create a physical reminder, such as a piece of jewellery or a framed quote, that they can keep in a prominent place as a daily reminder to live in the moment. Others may prefer to use digital reminders, such as setting an inspirational quote as their phone background or scheduling regular reminders to practice gratitude or engage in self-care activities.