Six Months to Live
What if your doctor told you you had only six months to live? That’s exactly what happened to the two characters in The Bucket List, a recent movie starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.
Both were informed they had incurable diseases. After the
initial shock and anger, they decided to make a list of everything they wanted to do before they “kicked the bucket.”After watching that movie last evening, my wife suggested we begin living our lives as if we had only six months to live. Though this might seem morbid to some, it felt really empowering to us and we both readily agreed.
I know this isn’t a new idea, I’ve read of similar suggestions in the past, but this time it feels like exactly the right thing to do. What might change in my life?
Well, I wouldn’t sweat the small stuff…and lots more would be small stuff. Most of my fears would literally disappear. I would be more generous, more focused on relationships, less concerned with making money, and more appreciative of each moment of precious life.
I realize now that I had a head start on this six month philosophy without knowing it. For several weeks, one of my first thoughts on awakening is to be grateful to be alive. And thankful for another day to be generous, giving more than I take.
With only six months to live, each day is a wonder to be treasured, to be enjoyed, and to share. That’s the other message of The Bucket List. Be joy and share joy. Life is about love. Love is about relationships.
I’m going to enjoy the next six months. They may be my last.