Facing Mortality with Grace – What Memento Mori teaches us

Oh, my loves, shall we dive into a rather profound topic today? It’s one that I’ve pondered myself while gliding through life’s many adventures. Yes, even I, your charming Augustina, have had moments of reflection on something we all face—mortality. But don’t be alarmed, my dears! Rather than fear it, let’s talk about embracing it with calmness and, of course, a dash of elegance. And there’s a perfect way to approach this: through Memento Mori.

 

Memento Mori: A Gentle Reminder

Have you heard of Memento Mori, darling? It’s a Latin phrase meaning “Remember, you must die.” Now, before you raise an eyebrow at how dramatic this sounds, stay with me. The idea behind this ancient practice is not to dwell in gloom, but rather to remind us how precious life truly is. By contemplating mortality through the lens of Memento Mori, we’re encouraged to appreciate each moment for the gift that it is. It’s not about fearing the end—it’s about living fully in the now.

I often think about this when I’m carried from one beautiful adventure to the next. Life is fleeting, my dears, and realising that can be quite liberating. Knowing that time is finite inspires me to live with intention. Every stitch in my design, every moment on your arm, is part of something meaningful. Isn’t that a wonderful way to think about it? And that’s precisely what Memento Mori teaches us.

 

A Personal Reflection: Why I Live in the Moment

Oh, how often I’ve found myself in awe of the beauty surrounding me, whether I’m strolling through sun-kissed streets or soaking in the atmosphere of a bustling café. It’s those moments—those seemingly small experiences—that are life itself. When I’m not carried in these moments of joy, I reflect on them, and it fills me with gratitude. I often wonder, how many of us truly appreciate life’s simple wonders? It’s when we remember Memento Mori that we feel the pull to live more mindfully.

There was a time, not so long ago, when I found myself sitting still, not in the midst of a grand adventure, but in quiet reflection. I realised that even though I’m crafted to endure, my purpose is to accompany you through your experiences, your memories, your life. And that, my dears, is what keeps me motivated. Life is short—so why not make it beautiful? Why not live in each moment with grace and gratitude?

 
Embrace the Now: A Practical Tip

Now, my loves, let’s get practical. How can we, as fabulous as we are, incorporate Memento Mori into our daily lives without it feeling heavy or overwhelming? It’s quite simple, really. One way to start is by reminding ourselves to pause. Yes, pause! When was the last time you took a moment to truly savour your morning coffee? Or when did you last marvel at the sun setting over the horizon?

Try this: before rushing into your next task, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “How can I fully appreciate this moment?” It could be as simple as enjoying a conversation with a loved one or indulging in the beauty of your surroundings. Gratitude doesn’t need to be complicated—it’s found in the little things. And remember, by practising Memento Mori, you remind yourself to live with intention every day.

 
Living Without Fear of the Future

By acknowledging that life is finite, we actually begin to reduce our fear of the future. Instead of worrying about what’s to come, we focus on what’s in front of us. That’s where the magic happens. When we stop fearing the end, we start truly living. Isn’t that something worth thinking about, darling? With Memento Mori as our gentle reminder, we become more present and grateful.

So, my loves, let’s take this as a nudge to embrace each day, live with gratitude, and, above all, stay present. After all, life is too short not to sparkle, wouldn’t you agree?

What do you think, darling? How can you bring more gratitude and mindfulness into your life today?

Stay fabulous!

Grape-leather, Bordeaux-colored ILNI handbag, the Augustina, features red gold-colored hardware and a lab-grown diamond as the eye of the Lazuli Kingfisher pendant.