I have no doubt that you’ve heard the expression ‘life is short’! We hear it all the time and, when a crisis occurs, we most often always think ‘that will never happen to me’!
Well, it hit pretty close to home last week when my best friend of 44 years, while on the road for business, suffered a brain bleed/stroke. We talked about this type of scenario many, many times on our Saturday morning phones calls (she lives on the west coast). MANY times!
And while we are both very smart women, we still keep think ‘that’ will never happen to me. But it did.
This was a very sobering situation for me. This is my very vital, vibrant, active, smart, healthy best friend. What the heck? Her life changed IMMEDIATELY AND FOREVER. She is now in a rehab centre, with no mobility, for at least the next 4 months. Fortunately, she has some cognitive ability.
And why should you care? Because this could be you! So, consider this article as a public service announcement! Ever since I got the news of her health care crisis, I’ve been thinking about what is critically important in the life of an entrepreneur – should this happen to any one of us in the blink of an eye!
1. UPDATE YOUR WILL AND PERSONAL HEALTH DIRECTIVE.
Take care of this today – there are so many different, and easy, ways to handle this. If you don’t have a will or a personal health care directive, GET IT DONE! If you do, then sit down and review it to ensure it is current. Believe me, this makes all the difference in the world.
2. GET A SECOND SIGNATORY ON YOUR BANK ACCOUNT.
As solopreneurs, this has often been a topic of discussion with my girlfriend. We own/run the business – we own/run the bank account. If you get ‘taken out’, then what? The business must continue. Take care of this right away, too.
3. STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.
I know we are all busy people – I hear it all the time. The word ‘later’ has become the norm and that is very sad. I pride myself in staying very close to my friends and family – the people who mean the most to me. My girlfriend and I used to have breakfast together every Saturday. When I moved across the country, we pledged to continue that ‘encounter’ …..just in a different way. I can’t imagine my life without her. She has been my rock, my mentor, my guide, my ‘shoulder’, my confidante and so much more. Every Saturday, no matter where I am or where she is, we connected. Stop putting off those girlfriend dinner/coffee dates. Stop putting off those phone calls with family members – only waiting for special occasions to connect.
CONNECT TODAY.
Even in the ‘busyness’ of my life right now, as we get closer to the date of my annual 3-day event in Toronto, I will certainly be hopping on a plane to get a brief visit with her. I want to hug her. I want to smile at her. I want to tell her I love her.
#Lifeisshort
#Doittoday
#itsnotallaboutbusiness
#getalife
#getyourhouseinorder
Oh Pat – I’m so sorry to hear about what has happened to your best friend. I’ve heard you speak about your relationship and how much it has meant to you over the years and so when it happens to her it happens to you too. Please take care of yourself as you continue to love her through this next transition together. Thank you so much for the reminder to live our lives according to what we truly feel is meaningful. Wishing both of you continued love together.
Pat, I feel your loss with you. When sudden tragedy hits close friends, it hurts the heart! There is prayer and thus hope that your friend may regain at least the ability to converse, and by one of God’s miracles even regain some physical movements.
Despite a heavy heart, I know you will be fully present at Wealth Makers in Toronto, inspired by the years of friendship you shared with your friend – that is what she would want you to do.
I am going to finish the Will I started, and take the other two steps you wisely provided. I personally travel with conditions that are unpredictable – heart and stroke. It is important and I will not put off any longer getting these things done – NOW.
Thank you for sharing and please know that my prayers are with you and your friend.
I will see you in Toronto.
Pat, I feel your struggle. When sudden tragedy befalls a close friend, it hurts the heart!
Your advice is sound and caring and I will finish the tasks recommended with greater urgency.
Thank you for sharing an pleas know that my prayers are with you and your friend.
Hugs,
Carol
Pat Not sure what moderations need to be made for the comments I left for you. Prayers are with you and your friend. Will surely complete all three steps you advise. Thank you.