Dream as if you will live forever, life as if you will die today (James Dean)
After my grandfather passed away shortly after Thanksgiving last year, I realized that though our days are numbered it is the people who see this fact as an opportunity, not as a threat, who enjoy life the most. For example, though my grandfather was a diabetic he knew that enjoying a single chocolate truffle once in a while would not kill him. He'd rather embrace the little things that brought him the most joy than to become overwhelmed by the larger things, many of which he could not control.
Dreams, I believe, are essential to life- but I'm biased as I am very much a daydreamer. I often think, "Why not?", and take chances that others may not. It is too easy to get tied up in the reality, the here and now and lose sight of what could be. The endless possibilities (especially in New York City) - the what-could-bes- are what keep life interesting and make it a joy to wake up every morning.