This is my first response to a WordPress daily writing prompt in a long long time. It feels good to be back! Ever since migrating to a self-hosted WordPress site, I stopped receiving these thoughtful prompts that I used to read but rarely responded to. But life changes, often for the better.
Just last night, I moved back to WordPress.com. The dashboard has improved significantly and feels much more streamlined. I feel the new features will help me maintain a focused workspace, which I truly appreciate. A lot has changed since I last used this platform. I hope to write a separate post about these changes later this month.
Now, onto the prompt.
The concept of living a very long life often stems from our fear of missing out. It’s a yearning to witness the world evolve for the better, to see grandchildren grow and thrive, and to spend more time with loved ones. However, this longing for longevity has its challenges. The reality of extended life often involves difficult trade-offs—assisted living and dependency on medication being two significant ones.
Recently, I watched the Netflix adaptation of One Hundred Years of Solitude. I couldn’t help but think of José Arcadio Buendía’s life, particularly his later years. Tied to a tree, he bore witness to the unraveling of the very town he founded. Was his prolonged life an experience of solitude or a form of torture? I often wonder if he would be remembered differently had he passed away before his family’s misfortunes began.
For me, living a meaningful life holds far more value than simply extending one’s days, especially if that extension comes at the expense of being a burden to others or living in discomfort. That said, I wholeheartedly support the idea of embracing healthy living for as long as possible. Despite the cruelties of the world, life offers countless moments of beauty and joy—each one worth savoring, even if it’s just one last time before we fade into eternity.
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Imran Ahmed Hunzai 
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