My Life in Pictures

I recently attended the funeral of my 45-year-old friend. As I sat there trying to process everything, I watched a screen displaying a slideshow that captured various moments from his life. The images made me wonder: If my life were to end today, what would my journey look like when condensed into a series of pictures?

That thought made me stop and reflect on my life thus far. I say so far but can’t help realizing that I’m already halfway through this wild ride. Retirement is just around the corner, and I want to create something that makes me jump out of bed in the morning with excitement, not just the repetitive grind of punching that clock week over week.

“But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.”

If you haven’t read it, I highly encourage you to check out the poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. The dash stands for everything that happens in your life between your birth and your death. It’s about living life between those bookends and the stories and moments that are shared at a funeral.

I know my passion is about leading a meaningful life and having an impact. It’s a pursuit that resonates with every human being and it goes beyond mere existence and delves into the realm of purpose, fulfillment, and contribution. Living a meaningful life is about aligning your actions, values, and goals with a larger sense of purpose, and finding significance in both personal and professional experiences.

It’s ultimately tied to making a positive impact on others and the world around you. For me it’s about cultivating empathy, compassion, and a sense of interconnectedness. This can be done by engaging in (random or not-so-random) acts of kindness, contributing to the well-being of others, and working towards the betterment of society. I believe volunteering is a great way to accomplish this and even wrote a book about it. But I want to use my creative writing to do more to help others where I can.

Of course, a meaningful life isn’t devoid of challenges or setbacks — that’s for sure. It’s through adversity that we often discover our true strengths and resilience. Overcoming obstacles, learning from failures, and embracing personal growth are essential components of a meaningful life journey. And boy, I’ve had my share of setbacks.

Ultimately, leading a meaningful life is a deeply personal and subjective endeavor. By pursuing your passions, embracing your values, and making a positive impact — you can create a life that is rich in meaning and purpose.

And I’ll have lots of pictures and stories that show the essence of my purpose: family, friendship, and plenty of adventures.

But let’s not wait until the end to share all those good tales and fun times. For those that know me, what are your favorite memories with me? Let me know in the comments!