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Live Like You Were Dying

Dear Reader,


I have never lost anyone terribly close to me. However, several conversations and recent events have made me think a lot about death and what happens afterward. I have always understood the basics of what happens after we die; we go to either spirit paradise or spirit prison (Read more about that here) and then we will eventually be judged and put into different kingdoms of glory. Here on earth we have a lot of power to choose where we end up, based on our actions and whether or not we are sealed to our families through the power of the priesthood.

With all that information in mind, I have been thinking about how to live life. Sometimes my friends think I'm kind of cold-hearted because my emotions do not tend to get out of control when thinking about death and losing loved ones. I prefer to think that it is because of an understanding of this plan that God has for us. Knowing what is going to happen, death and losing people seems more like saying, "Hey, see you later" rather than goodbye. Yes, it is hard and no I'm not saying that is unappealing to get emotional about these topics, I just want you to know that it will be alright.

How should we live, then? Live like you are dying tomorrow. Do not put off the important things that need to get done. I'll tell you what it means to live like you are dying and how it applies to me right now.

Recently I was rejected by the BYU School of Music. Without a vision of living like I don't have much time, there is a sense of urgency about getting ready to try again, despite the large odds against me at this point. In other words, living like I am dying means not being afraid of rejection. It means trying again and again to get what I want most. Actually, it means trying over and over again to achieve basically anything in my life.

What is it that you want? It is different for you, I know. But you should try your best every day. Last week there was a fireside with Stephanie Nielson and her husband as guest speakers, who explained their experience with living like they were dying. For those of you who do not know their story, they were in a plane crash that left them burned severely over most of their bodies. Despite all the hardships they have been through, they are trying their best to lead good lives as parents and latter-day saints. They are doing a pretty good job, too. They are going for what they want. Are you?

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