From the moment we begin to understand the world around us, life places responsibilities on our shoulders. We are expected to reach certain milestones, to achieve something, to fulfill the endless expectations placed upon us—by society, by our families, and by ourselves. This pursuit can be anything: financial success, personal fulfillment, or societal recognition. We spend our lives running after these goals, often feeling alone in this race, only to realize that at the end, when we take our final breath, we leave it all behind.

I had this realization when I saw the image of Shri Ratan Tata in his coffin. A man who had achieved so much, who was revered by billions, and who amassed a fortune that most of us can barely comprehend. But at the end of his journey, there he was, lying peacefully in his coffin—alone. In that moment, I couldn’t help but wonder: Where are the billions now? The money he earned, the empire he built—none of it was there with him. He was alone, and no amount of wealth could change that.

Sure, there were billions of people around him, mourning his loss, remembering his legacy. But were they with him when he was alive? Did they truly share in his journey? We often think we are surrounded by others, yet even in the presence of family, friends, and colleagues, we are essentially alone. At the core of our existence, we face our struggles and triumphs alone. No one can truly experience our lives for us.

The Endless Race for What?

We spend our entire lives running—chasing success, seeking validation, gathering wealth—believing that these will give us meaning. But what happens when we achieve those goals? Does the money, the recognition, the accolades bring us peace? In the end, none of it comes with us when we die. Shri Ratan Tata, a man of extraordinary accomplishments, lay in his coffin like any other human being, alone and stripped of all worldly possessions.

This realization forces us to confront an uncomfortable question: What are we really running after? If all the things we chase in life are left behind when we die, then what should we be focusing on while we are alive?

We Are Alone, But What Can We Do?

The truth is, we are alone. Even with loved ones around us, we walk our path alone. But that doesn’t mean life is meaningless. The question we must ask ourselves is: How can I live my life so that, when my final moment comes, I can die peacefully?

The answer lies in how we live now, while we are still breathing, still capable of shaping our legacy. We must focus not on the material wealth or accolades, but on creating something of value in our lives that brings us inner peace. Because in the end, the peace we feel within ourselves is the only thing we take with us.

What Should We Do with Our Time?

If we accept that our wealth, possessions, and even our relationships will not accompany us in death, what should we be doing with our time on Earth? Here are some thoughts to guide us:

1. Live Authentically
   Stop chasing goals that are not truly your own. Society pushes us to achieve things we may not even care about, like accumulating wealth or gaining social status. Instead, ask yourself: What truly matters to me? Live according to your own values, not what others expect of you.
2. Build Meaningful Relationships
   While we are alone in the deepest sense, human connection is still an essential part of life. Build relationships based on love, kindness, and understanding. These connections won’t follow us to the grave, but they can bring meaning to our lives while we are here.
3. Create a Legacy of Good
   Wealth and possessions are temporary, but the impact we have on others can be lasting. Use your time and resources to uplift those around you. Make a positive difference in the world, not because it will be remembered, but because it brings you peace.
4. Find Inner Peace
   This might be the most important point of all. Achieving inner peace means accepting that life is fleeting, that you cannot control everything, and that it’s okay to let go. Let go of the endless pursuit of things that don’t truly matter and focus on cultivating peace within yourself. When your final moment comes, you will not be judged by how much you earned or achieved, but by how you felt about your life.

The Final Realization

Shri Ratan Tata’s journey is a powerful reminder of the ultimate truth we all face: no matter how much we achieve, we all must face our final moment alone. His billions couldn’t follow him to the grave, and neither will our possessions or accomplishments follow us.

So, what should we do? We must live in a way that makes us proud, not of what we have amassed, but of the life we have lived. We must strive to create inner peace, meaningful connections, and a legacy that goes beyond material wealth. Only then, when we close our eyes for the last time, can we say that it was worth opening them in the first place.

Wake Up Before It’s Too Late

We are lost, endlessly running in circles, chasing things that don’t truly matter. But there’s still time to wake up—to understand that life is more than the race we are running. We have the power to choose a different path, one that leads to inner peace and fulfillment.

Wake up, before you sleep forever.

Right now I can only think of one book you should read – Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman.