I’ve been to two funerals in the past two weeks. Both for men in their 50s. In the year I turn 50.
It makes you think:
If I died tomorrow, would I be proud of how I lived? Would I feel like I held anything back? How would people remember me?
The truth is simple:
Live your life like you’re going to die. Because you are.
At one service, the stories poured out about a man who was very accomplished and had a huge impact on others’ lives. People talked about how he inspired them, how he showed up for them, how he lived fully. And it hit me: I’ve been doing a lot of talking but not enough doing.
What am I waiting for?
Facing 50 feels different than other birthday milestones. I feel a shift. My daughter is graduating high school this year. I’m cheering at “last” events. I’m realizing there are “firsts” I won’t have again. The season of raising kids in the day-to-day way is slowly coming to an end. A new chapter is coming.
And yet — I’m proud of who I am. When my daughter listed me as her “biggest fan,” it felt like a quiet confirmation: the little things mattered.
But I also know I’m not done. I feel destined for something more though I’m not exactly sure how that will manifest. I want to encourage people. I want to help them become the best version of themselves. I want them to feel less alone.
And I can’t do that if I keep worrying about what people think or if I’m going to fail.
So here’s what I’m choosing now:
- Be bold.
- Share more.
- Take chances.
- Make the time.
- Live with purpose.
I want future me to look back and say, “You did a good job. You took the chances. No regrets.”
We get one life. Let’s not wait to live it.
