Learn to live before you have to say goodbye.

Life is neither perfect nor complete, and suffering can be senseless.

Only by facing life's four ultimate concerns can we co-exist with the deepest darkness,

appreciate the true beauty of being alive, and live a life worth living before death inevitably arrives.

***

Irvin D. Yalom, a master of existential psychotherapy, proposed that

as long as humans exist in this world, they must confront four ultimate concerns: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness.

How should we respond?

Because death is drawing near, living in the present is precious;

because freedom is both heavy and profound, choosing to take responsibility for one's life is incredibly brave;

because we are born alone, being willing to love others genuinely and selflessly is extraordinarily moving;

because meaning is not readily apparent, giving meaning to one's own life becomes the most meaningful thing.

With this understanding,

when facing life's inexplicable hardships and the inevitability of death,

we can have a greater sense of peace and stability,

living a life worth living and realizing how good it is to be alive.