A passage from Epictetus
Epictetus, Enchiridion 21
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Let death and exile, and all other things which appear terrible, be daily before your eyes, but chiefly death; and you will never entertain any abject thought, nor too eagerly covet anything.
Related passages
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Everything you're trying to reach — by taking the long way round — you could have right now, this moment. If you'd only stop thwarting your own attempts.
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Of human life the time is a point, the substance flowing, the perception dull... The only thing that escorts a man on his way is philosophy.
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Do not act as if thou wert going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over thee. While thou livest, while it is in thy power, be good.