Nothing Unlimited is Good; Nothing Good is Unlimited

eric kim photography cindy and mom korea seoul flash
eric kim photography cindy and mom korea seoul flash
Seoul, 2016

Dear friend,

I had this thought recently — nothing unlimited is good, and nothing good is unlimited.

Nothing unlimited is good

eric kim photography hanoi-0007194

We think that unlimited is good. Unlimited wifi, unlimited food, unlimited money.

But in reality, all which is unlimited is bad.

Unlimited wifi leads to internet addiction. Unlimited food leads to sloth, heart disease, and obesity. Unlimited money makes us no longer have any drive in life.

Therefore, whenever possible— I try to avoid anything which is labeled ‘unlimited’ — there is often a hidden catch somewhere.

Nothing good is unlimited

eric kim photography mom bed

The other thought— nothing good is unlimited.

That means, anything good in life (the life of our friends, loved ones, and wealth) is never forever. All good things will (eventually) come to an end.

Does that mean we shouldn’t make any effort in life? To the contrary. Of course, we should still make a effort in life to live life to the fullest, to find our purpose in life, and to share that joy with others.

But you need to insure your mind against possible losses. I always start the day with the thought that I might die tonight— therefore, I always stay focused during my day, and never waste a minute of my life. And I treat my loved ones like it will be the last time I ever see them. Because one day, they will die, and I don’t want to be caught unexpected. Nor do I want to take their lives, or my time with them, for granted.

So whenever good things are happening to me, I am grateful with my whole heart— but I remind myself:

“This will not last. Let me enjoy it while I can.”

Conclusion

As a practical tip, be suspicious or cautious of anything that is labeled ‘unlimited.’

I am personally addicted to all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, but whenever I eat it, I get indigestion and feel horrible. The thought of unlimited BBQ is always better than the reality.

I think having unlimited money and wealth would bring me happiness. But I know it will just sap the soul out of me.

So I think it means putting a limit to certain things in life. Put limits to how much food you eat, how much coffee you drink, and how much money you strive for. Because anything in excess is usually bad for us.

And lastly, always cherish each hour of your day. Who knows, you might have an allergic reaction to eating some shrimp (as I do), and unknowingly eat something with shellfish in it, and get anaphylaxis (your throat closing up), and you might choke to death. About two years ago, I had an unknown allergic reaction to cashews, and I felt my throat close up 80% (it was hard to breathe, and I thought I was going to die). The only thought I had at the moment wasn’t my work, my reputation, my money, or anything else. But the only thought I had in my mind was: “Did I say everything I wanted to tell Cindy, in terms of how much I loved her, appreciated her, and how much she empowered me? How will she live a life without me around?” The moment of (potential) death gave me extreme clarity to my life — my first responsibility was to Cindy, and everything came second.

So friend, live today as you wouldn’t wake up tomorrow. And wake up tomorrow like you won’t go to sleep again. Grasp each hour in your hand, and never let go.

Always,
Eric

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