What Would You Do If You Knew You Were Going to Die Next Week?

This is probably one of the most difficult questions to answer. It’s one of the most difficult things to think about.

I don’t know many people who can think about their own death without feeling some tension in their throat or forehead. Without the urge to tear up, at least a little.

And if you’re anything like me, the first thing you think about is this:

The people you love, and how they will cope without you.

I didn’t want to think about my own death first thing this morning. But I was listening to The Untethered Soul on my way home from dropping my son off at school, and it came up.

And then, I couldn’t NOT think about it.

I had planned to write about something completely different. But I felt too strongly about this topic to let it go.

The first thing I thought about was nature. I’d want to go somewhere to be in nature. But I wouldn’t go alone. Unsurprisingly, I’d want my son there with me.

Then,I thought about why I’d want him there. It’s for this reason:

I’d want to talk to him.

I’d want to tell him how amazing he is, and what makes him amazing. How he can accomplish anything he wants. I’d tell him about his unlimited potential.

That anything he sets his mind to he can achieve.

I’d tell him that anything worth doing is worth working on. Practicing patiently.

I’d give him hugs; but I’d mostly talk.

I’d give him a scaffold to build his life on. I’d want him to really feel how HE has control over anything he does.

He gets to make the decisions.

I’d tell him to always consider his health when making those decisions…and that happiness is a big part of health.

I’d share the 10/10/10 strategy with him — to think about how his decisions will make him feel 10 minutes from now, 10 weeks/months from now and 10 years from now.

And I’d tell him to always set goals he’s excited about…and to change them freely when they’re no longer a fit for him.

I’d show him how to forgive himself. How to be compassionate with himself when he feels like things didn’t go quite right.

I’d give him what I think is the blueprint to a good life.

I’d empower him to be happy.

Of course, I’d have to be okay with whatever happens. To know that no matter what I think, say or do — he’ll live his own life. And that’s the tough part, isn’t it? Letting go, and letting someone you love figure things out on their own.

I think the most powerful thing I can give my son is LOVE. That’s the most powerful thing you can give anyone.

If I knew I was going to die, the next thing I’d do is give my wife the same scaffold. I’d tell her she’s got this. There’s no rush; she’ll get to where she’s going.

I’d tell her to take her time…but mostly, to let go of the teen inside her who’s throwing around all those insults and putting her down at every turn. She doesn’t deserve that.

She deserves to be loved.

And mostly, she deserves to love herself fully. to know that no matter what, she’s got her own back, and she’s got this.

Love is such a huge deal, isn’t it? We seek it everywhere…but what we really need is to find it within ourselves. Then, we need to give it freely in the way we do it best.

My love helps people see what they’re really capable of. And THAT is what I should give more of.

In fact, I’m willing to bet it’s something I could sell. Not that you should “sell” love — but if I’m going to be thinking about what I need to do with my life…what I do for work does matter at least a little, doesn’t it?

If I knew I was going to die, my daughter would get hugs, and more hugs. And kisses. I’d acknowledge her anger and fear and sadness. I’d give her words for her emotions and I’d let her cry.

And for everyone else in my life — I’d just give and give and give LOVE.

My wife just recently read The 5 Love Languages. I’ve been aware of the book and its teachings but have yet to read it.

I think that giving love in your love language is the most powerful thing you can do.

But obviously, you can also give love in other people’s languages.

I’ll be reading that book next (once I’m done with The Untethered Soul). I’m positive I’ll write about it at some point.