Another Item Checked Off Bucket List!

I recently came across a fascinating study titled "Reflections on Wisdom at the End of Life: Qualitative Interviews of 21 Hospice Patients." While I am not in hospice or facing imminent death, the study resonated with me deeply, especially after my recent trip to Las Vegas and Burbank. It touched on themes that have become more meaningful to me as I navigate life with Glioblastoma.

The study explored how a terminal diagnosis influences a person's understanding of wisdom. Researchers interviewed hospice patients, aged 58 to 97, in their final months of life. What struck me was how these individuals, despite knowing their time was limited, continued to seek personal growth. They balanced accepting their situation with a powerful desire to live fully, focusing on the present and letting go of material concerns. Many became more patient, spiritual, and emotionally aware as their illness progressed, proving that wisdom evolves even in the face of death.

This brings me to something I checked off my bucket list recently: a trip with my husband to Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. It was an incredible experience, but more than that, it reminded me of a critical truth—life isn’t just about waking up, working, eating, and sleeping on repeat. It’s about truly living.

One thing I feel certain about, having faced a diagnosis like Glioblastoma, is the clarity it brings. I know life is short and precious. That’s something too many people forget until it’s too late. So, I urge you—savor every moment, live with intention, and don’t wait for a wake-up call to remind you that your time here matters. Make sure you live each day to its fullest potential.

Whatever your faith may be, whether you believe in God or something else, there is a plan for each of us. We aren’t just cars driving aimlessly down an empty road. There’s a direction for all of us—we just need to find it. I will admit, I often forget this. But I also believe that’s why we are given strong compasses in our lives to guide us. For me, that compass has always been my husband. He is the one who keeps me on my path, keeps me grounded, and helps steer me through the hardest moments. He has been my rock, always keeping me on the straight and narrow when I feel lost.

So, as you go through life, remember to live fully, savor each moment, and trust that you have a direction—even if it’s not always clear. The key is to recognize the people and experiences that guide you and keep you moving forward