Live Like You’re Dying:
A Roadmap for the New Year

Happy New Year! I hope this year brings you the fulfillment and joy you deserve. As we enter this new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect and focus on what matters most. If you’ve been wondering how to make the most of your aging journey and the new year, I want to share a story that reshaped my life and could inspire a fresh perspective for you, too.

A Moment That Changed Everything

January 11 marks the 11th anniversary of a life-altering event. On a bitterly cold winter day, what started as a few days of shoulder pain, swollen stomach, and other problems turned into a medical emergency that nearly cost me my life. I initially thought it was a simple virus—Memphis was full of them then—but it was much worse. My gastric bypass had ruptured, and I was plunged into septic shock, and my body was shutting down. I was transported by ambulance to another hospital for emergency surgery.

The operating room experience is something I’ll never forget. It was totally dark. There was no other activity other than our operating suite. Sometime during the surgery, I had a profound out-of-body experience. My spirit left my body, and I saw a peaceful, radiant light. There is much more to what I saw that I will share another time, but suffice, it was a life-changing experience. Time seemed to stand still, and for a moment, I was completely free from the pain and fear that gripped me. But then, I came back. When I opened my eyes, I found myself surrounded by two close friends—one a Catholic priest—who was administering last rites. I knew the moment I woke up something had happened, but I had tubes everywhere and was unable to talk.

Several days later, I told another friend something had happened, but I didn’t have the words to explain it.

For a long time, I wrestled with that experience. I questioned why I had been sent back. There was no grand revelation, no list of instructions from beyond. But there was a simple, undeniable message: life is fragile, time is precious, and every day is a gift.

Asking, “What If This Were My Last Year?”

The song Live Like You’re Dying always inspires me to embrace life with purpose. Take a moment and listen to it again; it moves me every time I hear it. Here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9TShlMkQnc&list=RD_9TShlMkQnc&start_radio=1​

While the idea of living boldly can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to involve climbing mountains or performing extreme feats. For me, it’s about being intentional with my time and ensuring I focus on what truly matters.

After my recovery, I began asking myself a question: What if this were my last year? What would I want to do, see, or achieve? It wasn’t about ticking things off a bucket list but about aligning my life with my values—nurturing passions, relationships, and goals that truly mattered.

Crafting a Roadmap for the Year

Rather than making resolutions that can easily fall by the wayside, I’ve found that creating a "roadmap" for the year gives me a flexible guide that keeps me focused on what matters most. Here’s how to create your own roadmap:

1. Pick Your Destination(s):
What do you want to accomplish this year? Maybe it’s traveling to a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting, or perhaps it’s finally starting that project you’ve put off. Make your destination clear.

2. Set Small "Mile Markers":
Big goals can feel overwhelming, but when you break them down into smaller, more manageable steps, progress becomes easier to track. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll improve my health this year,” focus on actionable goals like, “I’ll walk 7500 steps a day” or “I’ll cook five new healthy recipes by the end of the month.”

3. Expect Detours:
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. There will be setbacks and surprises along the way. But the beauty of a roadmap is its flexibility. Embrace the detours—they often lead to unexpected discoveries.

4. Balance Urgency with Joy:
While moving forward with purpose is essential, don’t forget to take time to savor the journey. Life is more than just crossing things off a list; it’s also about enjoying the small, meaningful moments. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and find joy.

Next Week: Vision Boards & Survey

Next week, I’ll share insights from a vision-boarding class I’m taking to help you with your goals. Vision boards can be an incredibly powerful tool for clarifying your goals and visualizing your path forward. I’ll also send a survey to learn about your dreams and what you hope to achieve this year. Your input helps me create content that truly speaks to what matters most to you.

You’re Not Too Old, and It’s Not Too Late

Regardless of your age, you might wonder if it’s too late to start something new. The answer is simple: it’s never too late. I’ve met people in their 70s who started new careers, others in their 80s who took up painting, and countless individuals who found new passions later in life. Age is just a number, and every stage of life offers opportunities for growth and transformation.

Take a moment this week to reflect: What do you want to experience or achieve in the year ahead? Who do you want to spend time with? What’s been holding you back, and how can you move through it?

My experience 11 years ago changed how I view life. While I still don’t have all the answers, I’ve learned that life is a precious gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Everyday matters, and we must live with intention, purpose, and joy.

Create your own roadmap for the year. Honor your passions, respect your boundaries, and leave room for new discoveries. And remember, no matter your age, it’s never too late to begin. Every day is an opportunity for growth, for new experiences, and for making the most of the time we have.

Here’s to a year of bold living—without waiting for a crisis to remind us how precious life can be. Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where I’ll discuss vision boards and how they can help you clarify your goals. Until then, may your road ahead be full of promise and joy.

Let’s make 2025 the best year ever,

Mary Harvey

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