When LITSG Met Stan

“It’s my first time here without my wife.”

As we navigate the twists and turns of life, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle, planning for the future, and often forgetting to embrace the present moment. Today, I want to share a poignant recent encounter that serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing each day and making the most of every precious minute, for tomorrow is not guaranteed.

“It’s my first time here without my wife.” These were the words that stopped me in my tracks, spoken by a gentle soul named Stan as I stood in the hotel lobby. I struck up a conversation with him as I was checking in. My wife continued the conversation, and as I listened, his words resonated deeply within me.

Stan, a lovely older gentleman, was attending an awards dinner at a college campus, a tradition he had cherished for years. What made this year different, however, was that he was attending alone. His wife, his companion in life’s journey, had passed away the year before. He talked about how they attended together in the past, but this time would be different.

The simple phrase, “It’s my first time here without my wife,” carried a profound weight for me. It was a “kick in the head” reminder of the fragility of life, the unpredictability of our tomorrows, and the significance of every moment we have in the present. Stan’s words were a powerful reminder that life can change in an instant, and the people we hold dear may not always be with us.

A few of the core principles of LITSG are illustrated here including:

• Live Today… Don’t Wait For Tomorrow
• Minutes Matter
• Take A Chance And Get It Done Today

As a common thread throughout The Life Is Too Short Guy, I talk about how important it is to live fully in the present, and to seize each day with gratitude and purpose. Stan’s story reinforces the importance of this principle.

Here are a few thoughts that came to me as I reflected on this experience:

1. Cherish Your Loved Ones: Stan’s story reminds us to hold our loved ones close and express our love and appreciation regularly. Don’t wait for a special occasion to show how much someone means to you. Say “I Love You” often and enjoy hearing the words come out of your mouth. Your loved ones will.

2. Embrace Each Day: Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and life’s twists and turns can be unpredictable. Make the most of each day by pursuing your passions, spending time with loved ones, and savoring the simple joys of life. Minutes matter, make the most of each.

3. Live Without Regrets: Don’t put off your dreams and aspirations. Take that trip, start that project, or learn that new skill TODAY. Regrets about missed opportunities are some of the heaviest burdens to carry.

4. Practice Gratitude: Pause each day to reflect on the blessings in your life. Gratitude can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

Stan’s words serve as a poignant reminder that life is a precious gift, and each day is an opportunity to create meaningful memories, to love deeply, and to live with purpose. As we move forward, let’s honor Stan’s experience by embracing each day with open hearts and making the most of every minute.

Listening to LITSG

It’s official! The Life Is Too Short Guy is now available on Audible. Check it out here. 

What Better Gift Than the Gift of Happiness!!

It may seem a bit crazy to start thinking about the holiday season, but it is coming fast and furious. How about a unique gift with the ability to have a meaningful impact on someone’s life? How about a personally signed copy of The Life Is Too Short Guy? Birthday, graduation, Thanksgiving, and the year-end holidays are all great opportunities. How about gifts for clients and employees? Wow, this would be unique and impactful on the recipient.

Order personally signed copies here or reach out to me directly to discuss. I would be happy to hand sign and ship for you! Join me on my mission to make the world happier one smile at a time.

May you find the courage to live today and make the most of every minute, for tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Regards,

Scott