Summary

The article discusses the importance of living each day to the fullest, inspired by the author's child's nightmare about the author dying at 48.

Abstract

The author reflects on the profound impact of a conversation with their daughter who expressed fear after dreaming of the author's death at a young age. This encounter prompts the author to consider how life should be lived as if each day could be the last. The article suggests that instead of waiting for retirement or a life-altering diagnosis, individuals should embrace the present, create meaningful memories, and live out their dreams. It emphasizes the significance of being fully present in interactions, showing love and appreciation, and making a conscious effort to make a positive impact on others' lives every day. The author resolves to live intentionally, cherishing time with loved ones, and making each day count.

Opinions

The author believes that life is too precious to wait for a significant event to start truly living.
There is a strong emphasis on the importance of making meaningful memories with loved ones regularly, not just in response to a terminal diagnosis or old age.
The article conveys that living fully involves embracing experiences, such as adventure activities or fulfilling a bucket list.
It suggests that living like you are dying includes altering speech to be more kind and giving, offering forgiveness, and reaching out to others in new ways.
The author posits that living each day as if it were your last can lead to a more intentional and fulfilling life.
The author expresses a personal commitment to being more present, patient, and loving in daily interactions, especially with family.
The article challenges readers to consider their own mortality and the legacy they wish to leave behind, encouraging them to act now rather than waiting for an uncertain future.

How to Live Like You are Dying

Live for today

“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 that 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 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, I’m 42.

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?