Tragically, 67 people died in a collision in the skies over Washington D.C. last week. It seems to have been a routine journey for everyone involved. They had plans which included a flight, they turned up, took off and never arrived at their destination.
I know you too have given a moment to think of them and their loved ones.
The unexpected could conceivably happen to me today, or you or any of us.
Which is not to trigger a slide into despair, but it prompted me to ponder this:
Quote: What would I have wanted a precious few minutes – just before I died – to do? I can tell you for certain, it would not have been to get one more item ticked off my to do list.
It would have been to hold my wife and tell her I love her and how much she means to me. To call my kids and tell them too. To sit in peace and stillness one last time and be grateful for all I’ve experienced.
But not to finish that report for work. Nor to call my reports and check on project status. Absolutely not to make sure my inbox was empty before I die.
No judgement. We all do focus on work and other peoples’ priorities. But these past few days have had me far more focused and realistic about what and who is really important to me. I love my work, coaching, serving and supporting other humans to be more joyful, easeful and awesome. But – honestly – I wouldn’t call any of them in those last few moments – sorry …
I could sink into a decline about how the world is going and the futility of it all and the brief, transient, delicate nature of life. Or I could get super-focused on what really matters. What I would beg for a few last minutes to do or say or experience.
Those are the things we value most – those things that we would ask for time to do.
Those are also the things to make sure we do and say and experience every day simply because that will enrich our lives and make us happier.
I’ve never believed that money was the be all and end all. Nor is getting stuff done.
I know what is – for me. Do you know what is for you?
If you do, please, please make sure you carve out time for that every day.
And if you don’t, please, please find out as a matter of urgency.
