Monday, May 4, 2015
Good morning,
In the short 4 months of this year, I have attended 2 funerals of very close friends. The Celebration of Life were touching, emotional, memorable, and fitting for each. The “Celebration” I attended last week, was actually planned and written by the deceased, my dear friend Sherm. Sherm knew he was dying, and, like the selfless, kind hearted man he was, he wanted to make it as easy as possible on his loved ones after he passed on. As I sat back and listened to what was said from Sherm’s own words, I realized what a gift he had left.
As leaders, we are constantly directing and dominating, always having the first and the last word in a conversation, a meeting or a dialouge. We must be dignified and proud, most times guarded and private. I wonder if you should leave this world tomorrow, if people would know the real you, what you loved outside of work, how you enjoyed your free time, how you relaxed, what music did you like, what were your fears and joys? Who would speak at your funeral, and what would they say?
Well, I for one, am starting to think about what I would like people to say about me after I am gone. Now I am not sick, nor do I have plans to go anytime soon, so don’t go starting any rumors! But Sherm’s funeral certainly got me, and a lot of my peers who were there with me, thinking about it. If you sat down today and wrote your own memorial service, your own “celebration of life”, would people be moved to tears, would they smile and feel sad but blessed to have known you and been a part of your life? Or would they even show up?
Well, if you can’t say yes, you’ve still got time! As leaders I know we are always putting others before ourselves. I see my clients do it all the time. Give yourself permission to slow down and think about changes you may want to make in your life so your journal reflects your journey, and then make sure you keep it updated.
As you go through life, don’t sweat the small things, but don’t leave out doing the important things that matter. Those are the gifts that keep on giving long after we are gone. A lesson taught to me by my late friend, Sherm, may he rest in peace.