If You Knew You Had Seven Years Left to Live, What Would Become of You?

Summary

The website presents a reflective quiz designed to provoke introspection about life choices and priorities, based on the hypothetical scenario of having only seven years left to live.

Abstract

The quiz, inspired by alchemical principles of transformation, prompts individuals to respond instinctively to the first ten questions, suggesting that immediate, unfiltered answers will yield the most authentic insights. It challenges participants to consider their initial thoughts, actions, and feelings upon learning they have seven years to live, as well as their relationships, possessions, and life's work. The second set of questions encourages deeper reflection on personal joys, the significance of the natural world, dreams, and one's ultimate purpose. The quiz is crafted by Regina Clarke, a writer who invites readers to explore their identity and the depth of life rather than its length, drawing on quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson to emphasize the importance of living well.

Opinions

The quiz assumes that quick, unreflective answers provide a more accurate understanding of one's true self.
It suggests that the knowledge of a limited time span would significantly alter one's priorities and actions.
The value of personal possessions is reconsidered in the context of imminent mortality.
The quiz implies that the pursuit of happiness is less important than being useful, honorable, and compassionate.
It posits that a meaningful life can be achieved within a limited timeframe, emphasizing depth over duration.
The author, Regina Clarke, believes in the transformative power of hope and inspiration, as reflected in her body of work.
The quiz encourages readers to consider their legacy and the difference they make in the world.

A Quiz…

There is an assumption for this quiz that rests in alchemy, the ancient art of transformation. Thus — for the first ten questions you will get the most accurate results if you answer exactly what come into your mind right away without reflection and write it down using the old-fashioned pen and paper. This actually enhances the feeling and connection to the brain and to awareness.

Directions for the last ten results appear when needed.

Imagine this as true from a deep place within: You have just discovered you have seven years to live and no more. You know this to the very day, hour, minute, second.

What is the first thing you think about?

What is the first thing you do?

How does knowing this make you feel?

Who is the first person you tell about this?

Which objects you own will continue to matter to you?

Do you want to stay in the job or work you have now for the full seven years?

What area of knowledge in life has been of the most interest to you?

Who will you miss most when the seven years is up?

What do you decide to stop doing right now?

Where do you want to live for those seven years?

For these next questions, do them right after the above, but spend a little time in reflection, according to your inclination, always aware that you have just the seven years left. Write them down as before or use your tech device or speak your thoughts aloud, according to your inclination.

What brings your heart joy?

What does the natural world mean to you?

What fires your soul?

Do you have a dream you always wanted to follow?

What do you care about most?

Can you recall a moment in your life that felt perfect? What made it so?

Do you feel the seven years is a gift?

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Do you agree?

Emerson also said “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air… It is not the length of life, but the depth.” Is seven years long enough to discover this?

And one more question:

Who are you?

Regina Clarke is a writer of mystery, fantasy, and science fiction. The Shawangunk Mountains she can see as she writes are part of the Appalachians, the oldest on earth. She’s on Twitter @ReginaClarke1 and is the author of cozy mystery Hidden In Stone, sci-fi thriller Gene Pool, and fantasy novels Guardians of the Field, and MARI. Her website blog frequently explores the ideas of hope and inspiration.

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