Memento Mori
In Latin, there is a phrase “memento mori”, which translates to “remember that you [have to] die”. It’s used in many philosophical texts in Christianity as well as stoicism.
The idea behind the phrase is the inevitability of death. By reminding yourself, every day, that you will die—you start to appreciate life more. And I see it in two lights.
The first one, is that nothing matters. Your problems today, your struggles—don’t matter, because eventually you are going to die. And if you are going to die, then why bother worrying today?
And the other light is that everything matters. Because you are going to die, and you don’t know when—you need to appreciate what you have. You need to be more brave and take more risks in order to live the life you want to live. Because you might not have chance to start tomorrow.
Since the day I’ve started this journey of indefinite travel, while building my own business, and working on my body and mind—I wanted to remember Memento Mori. I was thinking to maybe get a tattoo with that phrase, but I’m 34, and I never had tattoos before. I don’t think it’s the best age to get the first one.
Then I was thinking about an amulet with a skull, which is a very common motif of memento mori. But I already have an amulet, and I don’t want to get another one.
Ring was another option. Maybe with a writing or an image of skull. But I don’t like rings, and the only ring I wear is my wedding ring.
Bracelet became the favorite choice. However, it was hard to find a bracelet with this phrase. Memento mori is not that popular in Central America.
But today I finally found it. I found a local merchant, decedent of Maya. He made me this bracelet, from scratch. In front of my eyes. It was fascinating.
I now wear it as constant reminder—Memento Mori.
