Mozart, The Stoic.

Mozart was a Stoic - Who Knew? I don't wear a lot of jewelry.  I have a wedding band I bought after Jacquelyn died, inscribed with two words: "Memento Mori". It is the wedding band I chose when I married Diane. I also have a ring inscribed with the same words, paired with a winged skull and chalice on either side, with a scorpion in the center. Every morning, when I put the rings on I am reminded that I might die today. Every night when I take them off, I am reminded that I might die in the night. This is neither morbid nor depressing. I have been caught by surprise by tragedy, illness and death. Never again. If you don't think about the inevitability of your death, you will waste your life. Don't do it. The Stoics call it Premeditatio Malorum. Assume that both good and bad events will occur. Prepare for them by understanding that they are a product of fate, or God, or whatever higher power you believe in. Understand that it is foolish to worry about things out of your control. Here is Mozart's take:

“I have now made a habit of being prepared in all affairs of life for the worst. As death, when we come to consider it closely, is the true goal of our existence, I have formed during the last few years such close relationships with this best and truest friend of mankind that his image is not only no longer terrifying to me but is indeed very soothing and consoling, and I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness. I never lie down at night without reflecting that—young as I am—I may not live to see another day. Yet not one of all my acquaintances could say that in my company I am morose or disgruntled. For this blessing I daily thank my creator.”

Go, thou, and do likewise.