Live as if You Were to Die Tomorrow

I read a quote recently that hit me hard: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi. As someone living with Glioblastoma, this quote really got to me. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about quality of life—what it really means and how to make the most of the time I have got. I have started wearing my Optune a little less, drinking a little more, and honestly, just trying to start living my life.

Cancer has a way of making everything about survival: treatments, appointments, meds, side effects. It can take over your whole world. But I have realized surviving is not the same as living. There is a big difference between just getting through the day and actually embracing it. That is why this quote means so much to me. It reminds me to live for today but also to keep learning and growing, no matter what is going on.

Live as if You Were to Die Tomorrow

This part of the quote really hits home for someone like me with a terminal illness. The idea of "tomorrow" is always up in the air, and that has made me think a lot about how I am spending my time. Instead of stressing over things I cannot control, I am focusing on what makes me happy.

Savoring the small stuff: Whether it is rewatching my favorite movie, enjoying a good cup of coffee, or cracking up with friends, I have learned how much the little things matter.

Letting go of fear: Cancer has already taken so much from me, but I will not let it take my courage to try new things. I have started saying "yes" more often—yes to time with loved ones, yes to spontaneous plans, yes to the stuff that makes me feel alive.

Focusing on what counts: When time feels short, the nonsense falls away. I have stopped sweating the small stuff and instead put my energy into relationships and experiences that actually matter.

Living this way is not about pretending cancer does not exist. It is about refusing to let it control everything. It is about making moments count.

Learn as if You Were to Live Forever

At first, this part of the quote felt a little off to me. Why think about the future when my diagnosis tells me I might not have one? But then it clicked. Learning is not about preparing for decades down the road. It is about growing and improving right now. It is about becoming the best version of me, no matter how much time I have.

Here is the thing, though: I have not been great about this lately. I have been lazy. I have fallen back into some old habits—drinking too much, eating too much sugar, and not treating my body the way it deserves. It is so easy to reach for those comforts when life feels heavy. But this quote has been a wake-up call. Learning is not just about books or hobbies; it is about making better choices, one step at a time.

So, I am starting fresh. I am going to focus on eating better, drinking less, and actually listening to what my body needs. Learning is about understanding myself and treating myself with care. This is how I am finding my balance again.

Quality of Life: A Balancing Act

These two ideas—living for today and continuing to learn—have completely changed how I see quality of life. For me, it is not about a bucket list or trying to do it all perfectly. It is about balance. It is about enjoying the moment while also working toward being a better me. That said, I am so glad I have tackled some of the things on my bucket list. Those experiences have meant the world to me and given me memories I will carry forever. Bucket lists matter—they give you something to look forward to and remind you of the dreams that make life worth living. But life is not just about the big-ticket items; it is about finding joy in the everyday moments too.

I have let go of the pressure to fight cancer "the right way." Wearing my Optune less often or having that extra glass of wine might not be in the manual, but it works for me. Every moment I am present and really living is a win against cancer. But I also know I need to care for myself—eating better, drinking less, and making healthier choices are just as important as soaking up life’s joys.

Embracing the Meaning Behind the Quote

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever" has become more than just a quote to me. It is a way of life. It reminds me that even with Glioblastoma, my life can still be full of meaning, joy, and growth. Every day is a chance to make memories, connect with others, and keep becoming the person I want to be.

If you are reading this, whether you are dealing with cancer or just life’s ups and downs, do not wait for the "perfect" time to start living. Enjoy today, but also keep learning and growing. In the end, what we leave behind is not measured in years—it is in the love we share, the lessons we teach, and the lives we touch.

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