If you have the opportunity to play this game of life you need to

"If you have the opportunity to play this game of life, you need to appreciate every moment. A lot of people don't appreciate the moment until it's passed." These words from Kanye West speak to a timeless truth—life is a fleeting journey, and each moment we experience holds its own value. In the grand scheme of time, each passing second is a precious gift, yet so often we take it for granted. Kanye's reminder is simple yet profound: the game of life is not just to be lived, but to be appreciated—to recognize the beauty, the struggle, and the joy in each fleeting moment before it slips away. To appreciate life is to be present, to recognize the significance of the now, rather than looking backward with regret or forward with longing.

In the ancient world, this idea was not foreign. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates’ words were a call to live with intention, to reflect upon our actions and decisions in real time. He believed that the true wisdom of life came from the conscious choice to appreciate the present moment and to live with an awareness of one’s purpose. His philosophy was one of deep reflection, urging his followers not to let life pass by without deep engagement. Socrates taught that awareness and appreciation of the present are the foundations upon which a meaningful life is built. Similarly, Kanye’s words urge us to grasp the significance of life’s fleeting nature, to embrace it fully while we have the chance.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose life was dedicated not only to creating art but to appreciating the beauty of the world around him. Da Vinci, in his later years, wrote about the importance of observing the natural world—how the changing of the seasons, the patterns of light and shadow, and the movements of the human body were all worthy of study and wonder. He understood that life, like art, must be observed with reverence and presence. His famous painting, the Mona Lisa, is a reflection of his deep appreciation for the moment—capturing not just a woman’s face, but the very soul of the present. For Leonardo, every moment of life was an opportunity to learn, grow, and create—a reflection of the impermanence of all things.

In modern times, many of us, caught in the whirlwind of busyness, miss the power of being present. The technological age has brought about an increase in distractions, leaving us constantly looking ahead or dwelling on the past, rather than living fully in the now. Kanye West’s statement serves as a wake-up call in this context, reminding us that to truly live, we must appreciate the present. It’s easy to get lost in future aspirations or to regret past mistakes, but true fulfillment lies in embracing each moment for what it is, without letting it slip away unnoticed. Much like the ancients who celebrated the beauty of life in every sunrise and every encounter, we, too, must learn to appreciate the fleeting moments that make up our days.

This concept of present appreciation is beautifully exemplified in the story of Nelson Mandela, whose life was a testament to enduring hardships with purpose. During his 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela often spoke of how he learned to find peace and meaning in the present moment, even in the darkest of circumstances. His time behind bars, though filled with unimaginable struggle, became an opportunity for personal growth, reflection, and deep appreciation for the things that mattered most—justice, freedom, and the future of his people. Mandela’s legacy is built on his ability to appreciate each moment, even when the world around him was filled with uncertainty and struggle.

The lesson in Kanye’s quote, then, is to live fully in the moment, to find meaning and joy in the here and now. The present is a gift, one that can never be reclaimed once it is gone. Many of us find ourselves caught in the illusion that we must achieve something before we can be happy, or that happiness lies in the future. But, as Kanye reminds us, true happiness and appreciation come when we recognize the worth of the present moment and immerse ourselves in the life we have right now. It is in embracing the here and now—the full spectrum of our experiences—that we find the most profound happiness.

In our own lives, we must consciously slow down to truly appreciate the moments as they come. It is too easy to let them pass unnoticed, only to look back and wish we had lived more fully. Take time to reflect on the beauty of the present—whether it’s in a simple conversation, a quiet moment with loved ones, or a fleeting piece of nature. Life’s magic is often found in the smallest of moments, those we may overlook in the rush of our days. By choosing to be present, we not only find joy but also unlock the deeper meaning that makes our journey worth living.

Therefore, let us heed Kanye’s advice and strive to live each moment with intent, appreciation, and gratitude. Just as the ancients embraced the beauty of life in every moment, let us make the most of our time, not waiting for happiness or meaning to arrive, but discovering it in the present, with each breath we take. Life’s roller coaster may be full of twists, but it is through embracing every rise and fall that we truly experience the fullness of what it means to live.