Over the last few months I’ve experienced some perspective-creating moments… the kinds of situations that caused me to stop and think about the power of words and the relationships in my life. Even more, these instances, in many ways, created an opportunity for me to contemplate the legacy I’m fostering through the way I “do” life and how it’s seen through the eyes of my loved ones and friends.

After spending some time reflecting, I started going down THAT path — you know the one… something like, “What if I died tomorrow… would Brian know — would my girls know — would my family know — would my friends know — would everyone in my circle of life know — how I feel about them?”

Filling in that blank is not always an easy answer. 

Even deeper, am I living my life in a state of joy expressing love, gratitude, appreciation and happiness? 

I find meaning in music, so in the somewhat cheesy jukebox of my mind I’m hearing, “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw, “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks, and even “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey/Boys II Men while contemplating… 

Would X know how her words of encouragement have always given me the courage to overcome adversity? Would X know that the late night conversation changed by life? Would X know that even though we don’t talk everyday, I love him so much and I’m thankful for the life lessons he shared? Would X know that when she called me to grab that cup of coffee that I was at one of the lowest points of my adult life? Would X (who I haven’t seen for years) know how her friendship defined one of the best parts of my childhood?

No one likes to think about their own mortality, but my mom always says, “No one gets outta here alive” (morbid, but certainly true). While it’s a scary thought, I’ve decided I don’t want to leave anything on the table unsaid.

It’s my goal to start living my life out loud. Love more. Fear less. Reveal more. Hide less. Encouraging more. Deter less. Motivating, Giving, Listening, Embracing, Celebrating, Cheering, Appreciating, Uplifting, Thanking and Reminding  - all more. Not holding back.

I love the scene from The Bucket List where Morgan Freeman asks Jack Nicolson to reflect upon his life by answering two important questions:

1. “Have you found joy in your life?” and 
2. “Does your life bring joy to others?” 

I believe the key to finding that joy and bringing it to others is living in a state expressing love to everyone you interact with… it’s as simple and difficult as that. 

I’ve had a card sitting out on the kitchen counter for a week or so. It reads, “If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?”

It’s a personal challenge for me. It reminds me not to wait. I don’t want you to wait either. Today is the day to begin.

Today, my brain is spinning “Live Like We’re Dying” by Kris Allen. “Why don’t we say I love you enough…’til it’s too late? It’s not too late!”