5 Life-Altering Lessons Learned in the Face of Crisis

When my husband suffered a brain hemorrhage, I was a young mom thrust into a 42-day journey of witnessing seven people fight for their lives in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit. This experience shattered everything I thought I knew about life and gifted me with profound, life-altering lessons. I’m sharing them with you in the hope they become a source of reflection and inspiration:

1. Life Is Not a Dress Rehearsal

Every moment is fleeting and irreplaceable. You only have so many. Death doesn’t wait for you to be ready—it comes in medius res, in the midst of life. Embrace the present and make every moment count.

2. The Journey Matters More Than the Destination

Life isn’t defined by the milestones you reach but by the quality of the moments along the way. Destinations are fleeting—they come and go. If you focus only on achieving goals, you risk missing countless opportunities to truly live. Instead, savor the journey.

3. The Most Important Relationship Is with Yourself

There’s only one relationship guaranteed to last a lifetime: the one you have with yourself. Your approval is the one that matters most. Prioritize nurturing this connection above all others.

4. “They” Don’t Exist the Way You Think

The fear of “What will they think?” is an illusion. It’s a projection—your imagination creating scenarios and putting words into others’ mouths. The truth? You don’t know what others are thinking, and it doesn’t matter. Most people are too preoccupied with their own lives to dwell on yours. Free yourself from the tyranny of imaginary critics.

5. Happiness Can Only Be Found in the Now

I spent years living for a future where everything would finally be perfect—when money, time, freedom, and success would align. But life doesn’t guarantee a “someday.” The only moment you have is now. Don’t postpone your happiness; embrace it in this very moment.

This work brings meaning to my life. It transforms pain and loss into something that serves others. I hope these lessons resonate with you, and if they do, please share them with someone you love.

Now is the time to live. Someday is already here.