Everything Has a Sell-By Date: Reflections on Life, Teaching, and Creativity

This seemingly trivial moment sparked a deeper reflection on life itself, and how everything—from opportunities to emotions—has its own “sell-by date.” Here are a few lessons I’ve learned by looking at life through this unexpected lens.

Life

One of the most important lessons I’ve come to realise is that most good things come to an end. There’s beauty in this truth, as it makes the present moment even more precious. Like the items in the supermarket, everything in life has its prime, but that also means there comes a point when it’s no longer the same. Instead of dreading the end, this realisation has led me to appreciate the journey even more. Memories are what we hold on to after moments expire, and being thankful for the little things—whether it’s the laughter of a loved one or quiet moments of solitude—makes life richer.

Not to get overly spiritual, but waking up to a brand-new day and making things happen before it fades away reminds me of the phrase, "God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good." Even when the day, or life itself, feels like it's losing its shine, there’s something valuable in the experience.

I often ask myself: Am I present and consciously absorbing the world around me, or am I on autopilot? It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily life and forget to take a step back and appreciate everything. But just like that bottle of milk or loaf of Harddough bread, our time here has a sell-by date too. Instead of fearing that, I’ve chosen to embrace it. I’ve learned to be grateful for the present and trust that when one chapter closes, another—sometimes even better—will begin.

This also applies to our health. We often forget to listen to our bodies, but the truth is that parts of us have their own sell-by dates as well. Our muscles, stamina, and even mental sharpness can fade if we don’t take care of them. So, listen. Tune in when your body or mind needs rest, and acknowledge when things need to change. Just as bad times eventually expire, so too does our capacity to keep up with the constant hustle. Knowing this is empowering—it reminds us to pace ourselves and appreciate the present.

Teaching

As a teacher, I’ve had the privilege of watching countless young people transition into adulthood. Their growth is a constant reminder that nothing stays the same. Over the years, I’ve had to adapt to changes not only in my students but also in myself. The skills I learnt a decade ago, the teaching methods that once seemed cutting-edge, have fell into the sell-by date category.

Now, with more experience under my belt, I’ve adopted a different perspective. I’m more relaxed, empathetic, and future-focused. I see myself as a globally minded teacher who values not just academic success but the holistic development of my students. Education has shifted from a system centred around exam results to one that recognises the importance of emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking. And with each shift, I’ve adapted, realising that the old ways of teaching have changed.

This realisation has motivated me to push myself to learn new things and stay relevant in my field. Growth is a never-ending process. For instance, when I began teaching computer science, I thought it was all about programming and algorithms. But over time, I’ve come to realise it’s much more than that. It’s about opening students’ eyes to how technology shapes the world, how they can use it to solve today’s challenges, and how they can enter the field themselves.

The sell-by date mindset has shown me that even as some things come to an end, new opportunities always arise. I’m approaching the later stages of my teaching career, but before I "expire," I hope to leave a lasting impact and legacy by helping my students appreciate the joy of learning and discovering themselves.

Until then this mindset has encouraged me to keep learning, continue to step out of my comfort zone, and adapt to the changing world around me. Every phase of life and career has its expiration date, but with each ending comes a new beginning. And that’s exciting. I’m constantly reinventing myself, learning new things, and finding fresh ways to connect with my students and the world.

Creativity

I’ve also been reflecting on the lifespan of creativity, particularly in the world of music. I’ve always been a bit of a nerd when it comes to understanding how a music genre evolves—from the moment it bursts onto the scene with flair, style, and originality to when it eventually becomes a sub-genre, appreciated only by the most discerning connoisseurs.

Just like trends in music, creativity in general has its sell-by date. There’s a certain window when an idea feels fresh, relevant, and exciting. But with time, it can lose its edge, becoming something recycled or nostalgic. This doesn’t mean creativity dies—it simply evolves. Recognising this helps me appreciate the initial spark of innovation while also acknowledging when it’s time to change form, take on new influences, and sometimes even circle back in fresh, unexpected ways.

Ultimately, the sell-by date metaphor has taught me that while everything has its time, nothing is ever wasted. Life, work, and creativity all have their ebbs and flows, their beginnings and endings. Instead of resisting this natural cycle, I’ve learned to embrace it. After all, every end is just the beginning of something new—something we can appreciate, grow into, and eventually let go of when the time comes.

So, cherish the present, learn from the past, and look forward to the future, knowing that everything has its own perfect timing.

I dedicate this reflection to my mum, who passed away within the last year.