Life, death, and your numbered days

Issue #15

Reader,

Today's a particularly hard/sad day for me so I'll get straight to the point.

STory time

Yesterday morning I went to the airport to board my flight from Boise, Idaho to Portland, Oregon when I had a flashback to going through the same motions when I was 11 years old — passing through security, making my way down the stairs to the Alaska gates, and walking up a ramp to board the smaller-than-usual plane to find my seat, usually by the window.

My brother and I had done it countless times to visit our Dad following our parents’ divorce.

This time, though, I wasn’t an unaccompanied minor, my brother wasn’t by my side, and my Dad was dead.

He died a year ago, today.

Over the last year and in the days leading up to September 21, 2022, I’ve gotten a close look at death, the way it breaks you and bends you, changes you and teaches you.

I've changed my mind and perspective in so many different ways since then, but if there's one thing I've learned about death itself, it’s that it’s all about life.

The finite days that you’re granted, painted with people and places and failures and successes and joy and sorrow and all the things in between. The days that make dying possible.

After losing my Dad, I declared to myself that I would keep living for him as long, as best, and as full as I could.

I’d keep skiing and golfing and bowling, making memories from the mountains to the beach, under blue skies, surrounded by snow, from Christmas Eve to the Fourth of July, until my time runs out.

I don’t know how or when I’ll go, and that doesn’t really concern me, but do you want to know what does?

I’m concerned with my ability to create habits, make choices and sustain a lifestyle that gives me the highest chance of living a full and happy life for as long as I possibly can.

That should concern you, too.

As you look into your future, to the end of your numbered days, think about the life you want to live.

Think about the memories you want to make, the people you want to surround yourself with, the thoughts that occupy your mind, the emotions you feel, the things you spend your time doing, and the places you go.

What does that look like? What does that feel like? How do your body and your mind support you?

Identify the things you need to do today and into the future to make those things a reality. Take your physical, mental and emotional health seriously. Write down your goals. Make a plan to get there.

Use death as a tool to guide and encourage you to value your health in your living days. So you can make your time on this earth bright and meaningful for as long as you can.

your daily pick me up

Set a timer for 5 minutes and visualize how you want to look and feel at the end of your life. Picture where you are, who you're with, how your body supports you, the things you eat, your hobbies, thoughts and mental clarity. Use this as a guide to make decisions that support this vision today.

Repeat after me...

I can do hard things every day that support my life and longevity. I make sacrifices for my health and wellness.

Say this affirmation out loud in the mirror 10 times every day. Write it in your journal over and over. Visualize it before bed. Feel it. Believe it.

What I’m loving

I've been spending a ton of time learning from Peter Attia, the author of Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. This podcast (and part 2 here) on The Skinny Confidential is a great place to start to more scientifically explore what I shared in this newsletter.

Here's to a long, healthy life ahead. Are you with me?

💕 Morgan

PS - Here are a few pictures I'll be looking at today, in memory of my Dad and the days we were lucky to have

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