For the past 33 years, I've looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself:"If today were
the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer
has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something. Remembering that I'll
be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in
life.Because almost everything-all external expectations,all pride, all fear of embarrassment or
failure-these things just fall away in the face of death, liveing only what is truly important.
Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking
you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow you heart.
About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly
showed a tumor in my pancreas. I didn't even know what a pancreas was. The docters told me this
was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should except to live no longer
than three to six months.My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in
order, which is doctor's code for prepare to die. It means to try and tell your kids
everything. You thought you'd have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months.
It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it
will be as easy as possiple for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.