How to Live Like You are Dying

“Mommy, You’re Dead at 48.”

That’s what my daughter said as she climbed into bed next to me this morning, with tears streaming down her face.

What do you mean, Honey?

You’re dead at 48.

I had a nightmare, and I don’t want you to die, Mommy. I want to love you forever. I stayed with you, even after you died, until they took you away.

She wrapped her arms around me, tucked her head into my chest, and sobbed uncontrollably.

What can we do today to make special memories in case I am dead at 48? If her dream is an alert that my time on earth is ending, how can I be remembered with smiles?

Usually, we wait until we’ve retired, or have received a diagnosis. We wait because there’s always tomorrow. We take comfort in more time until we get the appointment with death which makes time finite.

Why do we wait until we are dying to begin living?

What if we lived this way every day?

Would you go:

• skydiving
• rocky mountain climbing
• fulfill a bucket list
• speak differently
• give forgiveness to someone
• live your dreams
• reach beyond yourself in a new way

If you are already dead you are impervious to certain things.

Today I will hold her close and let her know that she is important. I will be less rushed and more patient.

Today I will focus on being present in interactions.

Today I will love better, hold longer, kiss more.

Today I will go slower and softer.

How will I make a difference every day?

What if I’m not here tomorrow? How will I live every moment of today?

What if you made a conscious choice today to live like you were dying?

I am not 48, but I'm not too far from it either.

If I have six years before I’m dead, how will I make a difference in the life of others?

How do I want to be remembered?

I don’t have a diagnosis, but time is a gift I sometimes take for granted and I don’t want to do that anymore. What if my diagnosis is coming tomorrow?

There is only one today and I want to live it well.

I want to have good times while I’m living instead of waiting until I’m dying.

It’s time to let people know they are important. Look up an old friend. Find people who have mentored me and share what I’ve done as a result.

Not tomorrow, today.

Do you need a wake-up call to refocus your priorities or are you pleased with the way you live life?

Today is the day to live like I'm dying.

How about you? How will you live today?

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