Notes for Self: How You Live Is How You Die

In the early days of Give A Mile, as we worked to provide flights for people to see their loved ones in their final moments, I found myself drawn to volunteer at a local hospice. This wasn't just about understanding our key partners; it was about immersing myself in the deeply human aspects of end-of-life care.

This experience offered me countless lessons, but one stands out, echoed in the wisdom of hospice nurses: "How you live is how you die."

It's a common misconception that facing our mortality triggers a profound transformation, resolving past conflicts, or mending broken relationships. Yet, reality paints a different picture. Our essence, whether rooted in love or anger, accompanies us to our final breath.

One particularly poignant memory from Give A Mile involved a woman in her last months who wished for a visit from a friend.? She applied and was granted a flight but when it was not booked I reached back out to the hospice to inquire if there was an issue. ?I found out that the friend would not be travelling as their bond was irreparably broken. I said we could use the flight for another family member or friend. The hospice nurse let me know that this was the last person she had in her life willing to visit her.?It was a stark reminder of the consequences of our choices and attitudes.

The Message? It's a call to self-awareness and intentional living. If we desire peace, love, and connection at our journey's end, we must cultivate these values now. Our daily actions, the relationships we nurture, and the character we build – these are the legacies we leave behind.

As you navigate through life's challenges and triumphs, ask yourself: What is the impact I am creating? Let that question guide your steps, your decisions, and ultimately, your legacy.

I share this story not just as a reflection.? How we live now is the key, not a distant future, not a tomorrow us, the now us. What values are you cultivating today for the legacy you wish to leave behind?