My friend Genny is hosting a thoughtful project this month, based on a book she read entitled, One Month to Live. Although I certainly won’t know when my 30 day clock will begin, it’s an interesting prospect to consider how I’d use my time.
In high school I made a “life list” and I’ve considered writing a reprise to that — all the destinations I’ve yet to travel, and the goals I’ve yet to achieve. But this project is quite different. With only 30 days, I find myself thinking more about what I wouldn’t do, than what I would do.
I wouldn’t
…go anywhere, see things or fill my life with adventure, like I would on a bucket list that I might take decades to cross off. I wouldn’t achieve, reach goals or buy things.
I wouldn’t watch the news, or listen to anyone who shared the negative side of it.
I wouldn’t answer the phone or sort my email inbox.
I wouldn’t resent, regret, worry, or feel obligated, angry or hurt.
I would
…pick and choose the small things that have brought me joy.
I’d live at the cabin, like we do in the summer.
I’d fill the freezer with filet mignon and shrimp, make fancy dinners with my daughter and bake chocolate chip cookies from scratch with my son.
I’d rise early and go to bed late, watch the sun illuminate the lake as I drank coffee with my husband, and watch it blaze red at dusk as we sipped Merlot.
I’d go for walks.
I’d toast marshmallows with my kids and ride bikes to Dairy Queen.
I’d blog every day, leaving my own “Last Lecture.”
I’d take pictures.
If friends and family visited, we’d talk and laugh, and share good news.
I wouldn’t talk about dying in 30 days.
And I’d thank God if he let my last 30 days be healthy ones.
What would you do with your time, if you knew you only had 30 days to live?
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7:00 am
So much to consider. Not sure exactly what I’d do, but I probably should be doing more of it today with the life I have. Love this post!
8:06 am
Wow, Kelly. This really got me: “I’d live at the cabin, like we do in the summer. I’d fill the freezer with filet mignon and shrimp, make fancy dinners with my daughter and bake chocolate chip cookies from scratch with my son. I’d rise early and go to bed late, watch the sun illuminate the lake as I drank coffee with my husband, and watch it blaze red at dusk as we sipped Merlot.” I have tears in my eyes as I write this…thanks so much for participating. I LOVED this post!
10:23 am
I’d eat lobster until I got sick of it (or FROM it). I’d buy a comfortable saddle for my 28 year old horse and fuzzy blanket to keep my little dog protected from the fall crispness and ride up through the darkness to the highest point of our farm.
There I’d watch the stars twinkle overhead and Northern Lights swirl through the sky and think of the good ol’ days when I had a little girl who would have ridden up there with me to see the colorful splendor.
Of course I’d do this with a good dose of Aleve, so I could still walk back to the house…….lol
10:41 am
Love the thoughts and themes that make us dig deeper…
Hugs,
Holly
4:17 pm
Wonderful post. Very thoughtful. I have no idea what I’d do with my last 30 days — probably clean out my closet, scrub the bathrooms, and all the other crazy nonsense that seems so important on my way to vacation.
6:43 pm
It’s hard for me to think about this. I’ve often thought what I would have done if I had lost my son in that accident, but not as much about what if I were the one. I think you and I are on the same thought train. I totally agree with you on what I wouldn’t do. No bucket list for me either. Thank you for sharing. It was so meaningful.
8:03 pm
Beautiful post!! I love it! Thank you for sharing.
8:15 pm
A thought provoking post. I’m thinking I’d laugh more and scowl less.
4:52 pm
Interesting how blogging would make my list, too. But I’d probably blog about more profound things. Then again, maybe not. It’s the little things that make life meaningful.
3:30 pm
Life has been challenging at times, and I realize that every day needs to be special. I try to stay calm and enjoy the little things. For me, it’s not about travel or accomplishing something great. It’s just spending time doing things I enjoy and giving the people I care about my time and attention. Yesterday I rode scooters with my four year old grandson. It doesn’t get better than that.
1:14 am
probably not go to sleep (sort of like I don’t do now..ha ha)
really, tho. Wouldn’t you hate to spend any time sleeping?
I need to work on that list, and just do it anyway.
11:24 am
Great thought of “Passing the Torch” You need to get your groups together and do the “One Month to Live Challenge” It is life changing! Go to www.theonemonthchallenge.com and check it out.
12:18 pm
I have a mention for you over at my site today.