Mortality: An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love

Today on the podcast, we’re talking about mortality.

Our mortality is a truth we too often deny in our society, but if we open ourselves up to it, we will awaken to a vibrant and grateful life.

It was twelve years ago that Richard wrote me a love letter answering the question posed by Stephen Levine in “A Year to Live” with, “If I had an hour to live and one phone call to make, I’d call you.” Richard was taken from this life three years after. That letter has been a priceless gift, and it reminds me daily that life is to be celebrated and truly lived.

It’s been said that the tragedy of life is not death; the tragedy of life is that many people die wondering if they’ve ever lived.

Having an awareness of our own mortality is empowering. It reminds us to live–to infuse each day with gratitude, to be awake to our words and our sorrow and our joy. It fosters gratitude for the simple blessing of waking up each day.

Consider writing a love letter this Christmas, to give that gift to one whom you love and whom you’d call in your last hour. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, but today is real and beautiful. Don’t wait.