A Good Day to Die
I’m in bed, unable to sleep. Maybe I’m still jet-lagged after 10 weeks in the States, but there’ve been a few sleepless nights in the last two weeks. I’ve noticed something on a couple of these nights, like tonight: I find myself thinking about dying. It’s not that I want to die, nor am thinking about killing myself. I am simply thinking about what it would be like to not wake up tomorrow.
Today I spent 67 minutes on the phone, calling people I know who I feel are making a significant contribution to peace in the world. I just wanted to acknowledge each of them for the difference they’ve made for me and for what I see them doing to make a difference for others. Here they are:
- FF. Film producer, and survivor of the South
- TM. Teacher helping children express themselves in writing
- BH. TV producer, talk show host and w.i.l.d. guy
- LL. Psychologist helping people recover from addiction
- TM. Husband and father creating a family in love
- EN. Artist, photographer, writer and self-healer
- DD. Counselor, writer and wise woman
- JC. Filmmaker, radio presenter and creative blessing
- CR. Teacher and advocate for meaningful life after prison
- BB. Juicer, yogi, mother and bright spirit
- TF. Corporate executive and peaceful communicator
- SG. Mother, coach, home-maker and dynamo
- HL. Singer, marketing maven and social activist
- BH. Climber, meditator, community builder
- DR. Freedom fighter
Several of these people teared up on the phone; others sent me an email afterward expressing how touched they were. Most acknowledged the challenges I know they face, admitted that they are working very hard and that sometimes they feel alone. That’s why I called them.
So tonight as I lie here once again unable to sleep, with this thought going through my head (what would it be like if I didn’t wake up tomorrow?), I reflect on these calls. If today were that day for me, I would feel contented, because today I know that a few people in the world were reminded just how special they are. Simply really. I might try it again sometime, if I wake up.
Who might be needing a call like that from you today? Make it.
(Tired now. Going to sleep.)
