“Don’t run, Mom!” she called as I stepped into our 6 AM bootcamp parking lot sprint.
I smiled. Years ago, I was the one calling after her. She was just a little girl, running toward the mall fountain in childlike glee… before promptly falling into it.
I was mortified then. A wet, giggling child and two shocked parents. I scolded, wiped her off, and hoped no one was watching. But now? I laugh. I wish I had laughed then.
Time changes perspective. And perspective changes what matters.
Today, I walk instead of run. I pause to take in the sunrise. I wave to my daughter, running ahead of me. And I remember that sometimes, the most important thing we can do is choose silliness over shame, laughter over control, presence over performance.
This is what I mean when I talk about a “good death”—it starts with a good life. A life that embraces joy, movement, and the kind of perspective only time can teach.
If that sounds like the kind of life you want, Anticipating Heaven was written for you. And if you’re wondering how to age with grace, humor, and intentionality, explore my Independence Roadmap—it’s full of small choices that add up to a well-lived life.
So go ahead—run, walk, or skip. Just make sure you’re living.
