When Will You Expire?

My journey toward intentional living started decades ago, but two pivotal moments laid the foundation for the life I lead today. Back in 2007, I attended a free learning session at work on aging gracefully. The conference room was filled with colleagues, and after the host’s warm welcome, she handed each of us a small piece of paper and a pen. She asked us to write down two numbers: the age we think we’ll live to, and the age we want to live to.

I wrote down just one number for both: 86.

Why 86? I didn’t think much of it then, but looking back, I realize it might have been because my grandmother, whom I loved dearly, had recently passed away at that age. Perhaps subconsciously, I chose to mirror her life’s length. If you asked me today, I would still choose 86.

The second defining moment came years later, on a seemingly ordinary day. I was working from home, and during my lunch break, I stepped out the back door to run a few errands. I remember exactly what I was wearing—a yellow t-shirt paired with a yellow-and-pink plaid skort—and how the sun felt warm on my face. As I stepped off the stoop, I paused, one foot on the step and one in the air, and a flashback to that earlier session came to mind.

Eighty-six. The thought struck me: if I truly live to 86, then half of my life was already behind me.

Standing there in silence, I let the weight of that realization sink in. Half of my life had already passed. It was a moment of clarity that left me still and reflective. I walked slowly to my car, and as I sat in the driver’s seat, I felt a flood of questions rise within me.

Am I satisfied with where I am in life? Is this the life I want to be living?

The rest of that day was filled with deep introspection. I began asking myself questions I hadn’t considered before. What else do I want to do, see, and experience before I reach 86? Am I living in a way that feels true to myself? Am I the woman, friend, co-worker, entrepreneur, mother, partner, cousin, and neighbor I want to be?

That was the beginning of my journey into intentional living. I realized that if I wanted a life that felt meaningful and fulfilling, I had to start living in alignment with my values right now—not someday in the distant future.

So, what about you?

What age do you think you’ll live to? What age do you want to live to? Are you living the life you want to be? Intentional living starts with clarity. Take a moment to consider these questions and see where your answers might lead you.