By Anthony Collincini

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Life comes at us fast, and without warning. So many of us find ourselves caught up in the minutia of our day-to-day obligations, and don't initially realize or acknowledge one of life's only certainties. A glaring, infinite truth rearing its head in front of all of us, yet so few seem to actually take heed. It’s the one truth we all seem to disregard and toss to the side so easily, even though this truth is present in everything we do. That one truth is: there will be a "last time" in life, for each and everything we do. A sad sentiment, but an honest one at heart.

Nothing in this world lasts indefinitely, regardless of how much you wish it to be. We are all forever moving seamlessly throughout different stages of our existence, without even realizing the way in which our lives are evolving. Our "last times" come and go, without as much as an acknowledgement or a 2nd thought. And once we truly understand the gravity of our past decisions and experiences, it's already too late to truly grasp the moment, and appreciate it in the proper manner it deserves.

There will be a “last time” you socialize with childhood friends. There will be a “last time” you play a particular sport, which took up so much of your early years. There was a “last time” that your parents tucked you into bed at night, a “last time” they held your hand when you were smaller, and a “last time” they picked you up and held you in their arms. Life doesn’t slow down for the weary, as all of these moments are continually moving further and further away from our memory banks, with each day that passes.

Recently, a college friend of mine asked me to play in a 3 on 3 basketball tournament with him. I of course obliged, as basketball has always been my sport of choice, and what I spent most of my youth doing. Playing ball has always been where I’ve found peace in my early years, and that has continued right through college and beyond.

As I got back out on to the court though, I realized I hadn't played competitive basketball in over a decade. Where did the time go? My ball handling was sloppy, my shot, erratic, and I just didn't have the same control of the game I remember having in the past. Getting back into the game at this stage of my life was like a shot of adrenaline for me, if only for a day. This experience caused me to reminisce about my playing days. I began thinking about the “last time” I played a competitive full court basketball game. I may never play another full court game again, but there was a "last time" I did, and I wasn’t even aware of it at the time.

How could I go so long without participating in the sport that has provided me so much joy over the years? Admittedly, we certainly become busy with our careers, family lives, and other obligations. The acquaintances we have as we get older, are but a fraction of the friendships we enjoyed during our high school and college years. Friends from our past also enjoy constantly evolving lives, as they begin to move out of state, start families, and eventually lose touch over time. With all of these changes happening all around us, there comes a time when we stop making the effort to go out of our way for our passions.

Not anymore! I am going to be more conscious about all of my "last times" moving forward. I have 2 little boys at home, and am thankful for every second I spend with them. I treasure each time the younger one rests his head on my shoulder. I embrace every instance the 2-year-old raises his hand to hold mine, as he walks up and down the stairs. I cherish these moments, because there are only so many I will have the luxury of experiencing. There will be a “last time” I give my son Jaxon a bath, and a “last time” Jace asks me to tuck him in to bed at night. There will be a “last time” both of my boys come running into my room in the early morning hours, with 2 big smiles on their faces, excited to wake my wife and I up for the day.

I do not mean for this writing to have a melancholy tone, as with every "last time", there comes a new beginning. I cannot build the bond and relationship I will eventually have with the men my boys will inevitably become, if they never grow up. I wouldn't have been able to discover my true calling as a father, husband, and entrepreneurial writer, if I spent all of my free time playing basketball.

Our "last time" doing anything, will always be the end of a particular stage of life, but the beginning of another. A fresh chapter. A "first time" for something new.

This piece is meant to shed light on the notion that there is an inevitable "last time" for everything we do in life, but don't fear. This one difficult, yet fulfilling truth, should be the reason you immerse yourself in these fleeting moments as often as you can. Do not let the best parts of life pass you by inconsequentially. Once that stage is gone, it's gone forever. Our “last times” are happening right now! No moment is too small! Each fading memory is meant to be cherished in its own right, as together, they are all responsible for shaping us into the creatively unique individuals we are today.
 

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Anthony Collincini is a New Jersey native, Rutgers graduate, and founder of The Mindset Gazette. He's a city inspired entrepreneur who loves to travel, so he got hitched to a flight attendant. You can find his pictures from around the world and more, on Instagram @anthonycollincini

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Featured Image: by Anita Collincini

Instagram: @anitaal_18

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Posted in What Lies Ahead​​​​​

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