When I started talking about this publicly, I immediately sensed that while it’s an easy topic for me, it isn’t for others. Especially my first 10 seconds into the session…
If you died tonight, How prepared are your loved ones?
The instant I ask that, it’s like the reality of this discussion hits. “wait, what? We’re going to talk about life after ME!?!”
Yep. That’s exactly right. Other times I ask it this way:
What happens when you die?
…and I get great answers, but they’re almost always focused inwardly. It’s interpreted as “Hmm, well when I die I…go to heaven, become dirt, meet Jesus, become worm food, everlasting happiness, meet my maker, feel instant heat, …”
Nearly none of the answers involve their loved ones.
In a way, the Finishing Well plan of action is a great way to get our heads straight:
- Our time is limited, so make it count
- We are on this journey of life with people we cherish
- Our time will end, but theirs won’t
- Those we cherish will have to wrap up our life, grieve, then move forward
With that in our heads, our ability to focus on the time we have left, to make it count, to make a difference, to be kind, becomes clearer.
I encourage you to widen the aperature beyond your life timeline. Widen the aperature beyond what happens to YOU when you die, to:
What will happen when I’m gone, and how can I make it as smooth and peaceful as possible for those I love?
If you do, it not only adds essential clarity to your life now, but is one of the most selfless acts of love you can provide for those you love.
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