Take Away The One

WARNING: This has nothing to do with photography. (Maybe a little bit...)

I have a theory when it comes to prioritizing life and our self-awareness. It involves a very simple exercise I call “Take Away The One”.

• List five roles in life wherein you contribute to society. They can be in any hierarchy or category.

• Take away number one. Would you be happy with what is left? If you were to die tomorrow and

  your entire legacy was based on the pursuit of that goal and it was now erased, would you be okay if what was left is how you were remembered?

  A very simple exercise. But it can be a paradox.

  How honestly did you make your list? What were your priorities? What was number one? Was it your job? Or your social status? Was it your family? Or your community service? Was it something you contributed to or were involved with in the past as opposed to now? Is it an affiliation or accomplishment? Is it passive or active?

  When you took away the one, was it devastating? Why or why not?