About this quote

Mortality is the ultimate equalizer, but we waste our finite days on minor annoyances. You wake up, worry about a bad email or a traffic jam, and let it ruin your entire morning. Why do we give so much power to things that will not matter in a year? We block real connection because we are too busy sweating the small stuff. Take a step back and look at the bigger picture; most of your daily stress is just empty noise.

When to use it

• You are losing your mind over a passive-aggressive email from a coworker. Remembering this helps you realize the project will be forgotten in a decade, so it is not worth your anger.
• You and your partner are having a loud, petty argument about who forgot to empty the dishwasher. Recalling this helps you drop the grudge, laugh at the silliness, and hug them instead.
• You are stressing out over a minor unexpected bill that slightly delays your savings goal. Use this thought to stop the panic and realize you still have your health and your life.
• You feel embarrassed because you tripped in public and think everyone is judging you. This reminder helps you realize that everyone is too wrapped up in their own small lives to actually care.