I rarely send more than one newsletter per week. But I believe today’s message is important, and ask that you give me just a couple of minutes to read today's special email.

This past President’s Day weekend, my youngest son (Noah) and husband (Jeff) went to Big Bend National Park with their Scout Troop.

When preparing for a Saturday mountain hike and overnight campout with a few of the boys and their fathers, Jeff expressed concerns about several men who aren’t used to strenuous hiking (or in the best of shape). And how truly in-the-middle-of-nowhere they would be.

Three-quarters of the way up, everyone’s worst fear came true.

One of the men was having chest pains.

Despite having several doctors with them (one a cardiologist) who correctly assessed he was having a heart attack, tried to quickly get him down the mountain and gave him CPR for over an hour, he didn’t make it.

When everyone staying back in the Lodge heard what was happening, they all assumed it must be happening to one of two men (the same men Jeff had worried about).

But instead, the heart attack struck someone who was a runner, looked to be in great shape and went hiking often.

I know this is an unusually morbid story for me to share but hang with me for a moment because there’s a purpose.

This man died too early. The event was tragic.

But he passed doing something he loved with one of the people he loved the most (his 16-year old son).

And, as emphasized by him in his last moments and his wife this past Monday as we paid our respects, his life was well-lived.

Things happen in life that serve as wake-up calls for those of us still here.

Cancer at age 38 was my first big wake-up call. I remember thinking about who might show up to my funeral and what they'd say about me (and wasn't exactly thrilled by it).

The events of the past weekend had me reevaluate again. Which is why I’ve chosen to show up in your inbox for a second time this week.

The things we tend to obsess over on a daily basis are rarely the things we care much about at the end.

Consider what you're currently focusing on and worrying about. How important are these things (really)?

This isn't to say these things have zero importance. But you'll want to put them in perspective.

You get just one life, Friend.

And there’s no telling exactly when or how your story will end. Instead of worrying about that (which you have little to no control over), ask yourself a simple question:

How are you choosing to show up each day you’re here?

XO,

Heather

P.S. If you haven’t yet listened to this week’s Life & Law Podcast episode about What Breast Cancer Taught Me, I urge you to do so. These lessons have helped me to show up as best I can. I share them with you so you can too. Listen >>>here.