A friend of mine posed an interesting question to me recently. She asked "What do you think you're supposed to do before you die?"

 I asked her to explain and what she wanted to know was: what was one thing I was SUPPOSED to do before dying. This isn't something I am supposed to necessarily do for someone elee..but just something that in my heart I feel I am supposed to accomplish before the end.

 I didn't have an immediate answer for her. I'm not sure I still do. I am thinking about it a lot though. I think it's a trick question and I think the fact she asked the question in the first place is supposed to teach me that it's a trick question.

 Think about it for a moment: something you are SUPPOSED to do just for yourself before you die. No one else, just you. To me, the premise seems hollow which is why I think it's a trick question.

 Why is the premise hollow? Think about it for a moment: the times in life when you feel the most joy, aren't they the times when you are doing something for someone else? Or at the very least, experiencing something with someone else? Where is the joy and satisfaction in solitude? Even on your most hectic days, when you would like people to leave you alone, the solace only lasts for so long before you feel the need to surround yourself with people again.

 Is there joy to be found in doing something strictly for yourself...where only you benefit? To me, the answer is no. There has to be a deeper meaning to one's actions and that deeper meaning can usually be found when your work helps to benefit others.

 At least that's how I take it.

 Quote Of The Day: "Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods." Aristotle

 This Day In History: William Shakespeare died in Stratford-on-Avon, England on this date, April 23rd, 1616.

 Something You Should Check Out: Check out a 9 minute video on the thoughts of Aristotle; narrated by Charleton Heston.

 Thanks for making time for the blog today. Feel free to leave a comment below or send me an e-mail by clicking here.