Life is a strange thing, where we can go out in just a moment. None of us know how long we have and no matter what we believe or tell ourselves, we are all mortal in this form. This lifetime is just one brief, bright jewel. It is the truth – we are all mortal and we all pass. We must know this so we can hold on to the precious gift that is existence.

Remember the beauty and the fragility of this existence. It urges us to take this life and make it as beautiful, as meaningful and as full of adventure as we can. Too many of us live as if this life is a burden, awaiting another lifetime, or a ‘heaven’ which will save us from the difficulties and challenges of being mortal.

Instead of living as if there is forever or a better place to go to, or as if other lifetimes or existence in the afterlife will be better, live like this life is all you have. Live like this is the greatest blessing, the most treasured gift you could ever have been given. Live like this life is heaven, and your very existence is a miracle of creation. Because we can – and we will – go out, like a candle someday. And when that takes place, the only true measure of a soul is what we did here with this priceless gift of human life.

~ The Alice in Wonderland Oracle by Lucy Cavendish