150 years from now, none of us reading this post today will be alive.  It’s not a great thought however, 70% to 100% of everything we are working on or arguing over right now will be totally forgotten. 

Imagine that - a world where the vast majority of what we work so hard towards is irrelevant. Fast forward 150 years, and all those daily grinds, conflicts, disagreements, and even the legacies we’re trying to build will fade like yesterday’s news.

If we look back 150 years to 1875, those who carried the world on their shoulders are no longer here, and their concerns seem foreign to us now. The people who shaped their world had their struggles, dreams, and legacies, yet most of them are long forgotten. The clothes they wore, the food they ate, and even the causes they fought for are almost alien to us.

So here’s a wild bit of Canadian history: back in the day, huge pieces of land were handed over in deals that would make zero sense today. Take the Hudson’s Bay Company, for example. In 1670, they were given trading rights to basically all of Rupert’s Land - we’re talking about one-third of what is now Canada - for the cost of a few beaver pelts and some goods like metal tools, blankets, and rum.

Imagine swapping Northern Ontario, the Prairies, and bits of Quebec and B.C. for what amounts to a Costco run.

At the time, these goods had serious value in the fur trade and meant survival in harsh conditions. But with the benefit of hindsight? It feels like someone said, “Here, have half the country for some mittens and a bottle of rye.”

But we still do this.

Sure, we’re not trading provinces for pelts anymore, but we do give up things that truly matter for things that don’t always hold their value. We sacrifice time with our families to climb a career ladder that keeps moving. We give up peace of mind chasing the next “must-have” thing. We stress over arguments that we won’t even remember in a week. We trade our mental health for productivity like it’s just part of the deal.

The details are different now, but the pattern’s the same. Back then, it was beaver pelts. Today, it’s status, stuff, and “likes.” Human nature hasn’t changed all that much - we’re still trying to get ahead, even if it means giving up what really counts.

So maybe the question isn’t, “How could they trade land for a couple of tools?” Maybe the question is, “What are we still trading today that we’ll regret tomorrow?”

You might think the internet will keep our legacies alive forever. True, digital records have changed the game, but technology moves fast. Remember floppy disks? They were once the latest tech, but now they're just relics. In 150 years, today’s smartphones and gadgets might be just as outdated.

You could also think of Michael Jackson as an example.  Michael Jackson died in 2009, just 16 years ago. Imagine the influence Michael Jackson had all over the world when he was alive.  How many young people of today remember him with awe, that is if they even know him?  In 150 years to come, his name, when mentioned, will not ring a bell to a lot of people.  Think about it - 150 years from now, Michael Jackson may be as distant a memory as the figures from 1875 are to us today. This isn’t to diminish his impact, but to highlight how the passage of time can obscure even the most prominent figures.

So, what’s the main point here? Life is short, and today’s thoughts and worries will likely fade away. This can be both eye-opening and freeing.

I think the point is to keep things in perspective. Instead of getting caught up in trying to succeed, worrying about leaving a legacy, or seeking recognition, choose kindness and compassion. Focus on building meaningful connections because in the end, it's these simple, positive actions that really matter in life.

The reality - none of us are getting out of this world alive. The land we live on? Someone else left it, and now they’re gone and forgotten.

Though I doubt any of us could compete with Michael Jackson’s distant legacy, here are a few fun facts that have stood the test of time:

In 1876, the telephone was a new invention, and Alexander Graham Bell had just patented his device. Imagine trying to explain today’s smartphones to someone from that era!

In the 1870s, women’s fashion included bustles to add volume to their skirts. These would look quite different from today’s casual dress and the corsets affected the body shape. You can see how the inside structure of the female body actually changed as a result.

The first successful flight of the Wright brothers was in 1903, just a few decades after 1875. Now, air travel is so common that we hardly think twice about hopping on a plane.

In 1875, Canada was just eight years into confederation? The country was still forming its identity, and many of the cities we know today were still developing.

In the 19th century, entertainment often involved live performances and outdoor activities. Attending a live play or a traveling circus was an experience quite different from today’s movie theaters and streaming services.

Thinking about how fleeting life is helps us focus on what truly counts. Our time here is limited, but we can still make a real difference to those around us.

The reality is, what truly endures isn’t the legacy we try to build through material success or power, but how we live, love, and support those around us. Instead of stressing over fleeting things, maybe it’s time to focus on what really lasts - kindness, love, and the memories we create with others.

Some advice that your 100-year-old self may give you today:

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Most things we worry about aren’t that important. Focus on what really matters and let the small stuff slide.

Take Time for Yourself: Life gets busy. Make time to rest, reflect, and recharge - it’s just as important as being productive.

Invest in Experiences, Not Things: Memories are what you’ll cherish most, not material stuff. Spend your time and money on experiences that bring you joy and connection.

Be Kind to Yourself: Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you give others. You deserve it, too.

Say ‘I Love You’ Often: Don’t hold back when it comes to expressing love. You never know when it might be your last chance to say it.

Learn to Let Go: Some things just aren’t worth holding onto - whether it’s a grudge, a mistake, or a fear. Letting go frees up space for better things to come.

Trust Your Gut: You know yourself better than anyone else. Trust your instincts, even when others might not understand.

Be Present: It’s easy to get lost in worries about the future or regrets about the past, but the present moment is where life happens. Enjoy it.

Keep Learning: No matter how old you get, there’s always something new to learn. Stay curious and open-minded.

Don’t Wait for Perfect: If you wait for the “perfect time” to do something, you’ll wait forever. Start now and figure it out along the way.

Stop Regretting Past Decisions:  You made the best choice at the time with the knowledge you had. Be at peace with it.

Love leads. Celebrate each other’s successes, be kind, and stop comparing. Life is about spreading joy and supporting one another.

We all have our time to go, but what truly matters is how we make others feel and the love we leave behind.