If This Were Your Last Moment on Earth, Would You Go Happy?

Written By: Alexandra Calzadilla

Photograph taken by Sophia Richards

This week, I finished a book by Elsie Silver called Flawless. I came across it on social media and wanted to see why everyone was raving about it. No matter the genre, I always try to find some deeper significance in a book — a quote or idea that grasps my attention and stays with me as a lesson. The main protagonist in the novel, Summer Hamilton, constantly repeated a phrase throughout the entirety of the book that stuck out to me like a sore thumb: “If this were my last moment on Earth, would I go happy?”

My first thought was, “Wow, that’s fairly deep.” But then I asked myself the same question, and honestly, I had no idea how to answer it. In my almost twenty years of living, I feel like I’ve accomplished and gone through so much, yet I don’t feel complete. I want to experience so much more.

Summer asked herself that question as a reminder to appreciate the little things in life but also to hold herself accountable. Of course, one might never feel completely satisfied when thinking about all the things they wish they could have done or haven’t yet accomplished, reminiscing on what they could have done differently. But I think it’s a great habit she developed to hold herself accountable and stay present. It helped her feel more grateful in certain moments throughout the story.

I started asking myself that question throughout the week after reading that book. Some days, when I was feeling overwhelmed, my answer would change. But in moments when I was laughing with someone or spending time with loved ones, I knew that if that were my last moment on Earth, I would go happy.

Although there are still many things I want to accomplish before I pass away, I think my greatest achievement would be finding true happiness and surrounding myself with people who bring joy into my life.

So now, to anyone reading this—ask yourself: If this were your last moment on Earth, would you go happy?