Take Nothing for Granted

Statistically speaking, 146,000 people will die today.

I wonder how many of them will see it coming.

Millions lose jobs unexpectedly. Happens all the time.

Money markets shrink—or collapse—wiping out people’s life savings.

Tsunamis strike out of nowhere.

Countless husbands and boyfriends will cheat on their partners today.

Not to be outdone, wives and girlfriends will do the same.

People who matter to someone will disappear.

Some of those will be children.

Other people will get unwelcome medical diagnoses.

Families will break.

Lives will crumble.

But It’s Not All Bad

Others will win the lottery today.

Or get asked out by someone who excites them.

Happy couples will learn they’re going to have their first baby.

Proud parents will hear news of their child doing something great.

Someone will have an opportunity to save a life.

Someone’s life will be saved.

Another’s disease will be cured.

People will be reunited with loved ones.

Families will come together.

Lives will be enriched.

Must Stay Mindful

My heart could stop beating before I finish typing this sentence.

A jet could fall out of the sky and land directly above where I’m sitting, killing me instantly.

My commute home could end without me arriving at my destination.

Today could be the day I get another phone call about someone I love dying.

A friend could move away—someone I haven’t worked very hard to see or talk to because I’ve been so self-centered for the past six months.

My friends’ marriages could be falling apart.

My grandmother could have a stroke and not recognize any of her 18 grandchildren anymore.

Nuclear war could erupt over the weekend.

An EMP attack could make this the last thing you ever read. The last thing I ever publish here.

I do not mean to come off dour, morbid, depressing, or like Chicken Little.

The sky is not falling.

Uncertainty is simply part of our all-inclusive stay on planet Earth. I choose to focus on the good while being mindful of the possibilities.

Please Take Action. Not Later. Now.

Because we all have someone who should hear from us today.

Maybe it’s your wife or husband.

Maybe it’s your mother or father.

Maybe it’s your child.

Maybe it’s a friend who could really use a phone call.

Maybe it’s an opportunity to grow professionally and help secure your financial future with unequal effort at work.

Smile at people.

Tell those who matter that they matter.

I’m serious.

Right now. Pick up your phone. Send five texts to five people. Make sure one is the person who deserves your love the most. Your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, son, daughter, brother, sister, whoever.

It doesn’t have to be long.

“I love you. And I can’t wait to spend the weekend with you.”

“I’m so proud of you. I hope you know how much you’re loved, son/daughter.”

“I’m sorry I don’t call more, Mom. I’ll pick up the phone after work and check on you. Love you!”

“Hey. Got the Facebook reminder that today’s your birthday. Really miss you. I’m sorry life is so busy. Can we get together this week so I can buy you dinner and play some catch up?”

“I know you’re going through a hard time. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. Your courage inspires me every day. Thank you for leading by example.”

There are a lot of things you can say.

There are a lot of things you should say.

So your partner knows he/she is top of mind. That you value and appreciate them above all else.

So your children know they are the reason you live and breathe.

So your parents know how much you appreciate the sacrifices they made for you.

So your friends know how valuable they are.

Tell people who matter that they matter.

Pretty please.

And be kind to strangers.

Because those people matter to someone, too.

I love you all.

And I don’t take you for granted.