That somber November afternoon still seems like yesterday. Even though it was many years ago, the impact hasn't waned. When I received news that my brother was gone, my world came crashing down. I'll never forget hugging my mother the first time I saw her after receiving the news – hearing her cry into my shoulder, "Jason's gone," will forever be burned in my mind.

There's a trance-like state you enter when you get news like this – a moment of disbelief. It comes in the form of denial...the first stage of grief. As you begin to accept what becomes your new norm, you have a choice to make. You either remain stagnant, or you move forward while making a promise to bring all the good memories with you.

Prior to losing my brother, I was simply existing. I had goals, direction, and willpower. But I lacked purpose. I was missing a "why." He'd taught me a lot of things when he was alive, but he taught me the most important thing after he was gone. He taught me how to truly live. His life was an example of someone who wasn't just existing, but was living his life to the fullest.

It took a long time, but I realized something:

You have to make a conscious effort to not let things like this define you. You have to make every effort to find the silver lining. And that's where The Memento Mori Project comes in.

Memento Mori, Latin for Remember That You Must Die, is a reminder that we have a duty to ourselves to live life to its full potential. We mustn't waste time hoping and wishing, but we should be experiencing and doing. Today is not forever, and tomorrow is not guaranteed.

In the spirit of Memento Mori, and my dearest brother Jason,

Stop Existing • Start Living

– Jeff, Voice of MMP

Integrity. Discipline. Resilience. Humility. Our core values, and the foundation of what we stand for. What we believe are four of the most important values one can hold that can best lead to a life well-lived.

Integrity – Do the right thing, no matter the situation.

Discipline – Do what you have to do before you do what you want to do.

Resilience – Develop the ability to bounce back, especially when you're down.

Humility – Keep yourself honest, and let your actions speak for themselves.

MMP exists to encourage people to take ownership of their lives, embrace mortality as motivation, and pursue a life of intention and meaning.

Our message is simple: Stop Existing, Start Living.