#TLHBLB: Day 1 – Do Things That Matter

I have a 98-year-old patient who was dying and told me; “98 years goes by in a blink. Spend your time doing things that matter.”

It’s hard to define what matters. There are things that must be done whether they matter or not – I get that. But do we ever really think about whether we are spending our time in ways that will make us feel full-filled at the end of our 98 years?

If today was your last day would you do or say something different? If I asked you to take the next 30 seconds and think about what matters to you, could you do something today to emphasize those people and things that matter?

– Tell your child you are proud of them, not for one thing they do but for who they are. 

– Think of someone that you are amazed by or someone you greatly respect. Drop that person a quick text to tell them what they do that amazes you. 

– Reach out to someone who is suffering a loss and show them love. You don’t have to say anything magical just send a text or card or call to let them know you care. 

– Put down the electronics and be present with the people you love. Nothing shows you care like your undivided attention.

As you check off the list of all the things you have to do today, do something that matters. Something that you will know at the end of your 98-year life mattered to someone. That thing that matters will likely change the course of someone’s day. It will definitely change the course of your day.