By Stephanie Owens

This past week we attended my husband’s grandmother’s funeral. She lived to be nearly 91 years old. As we listened to people recount the impact she had on their lives, I couldn’t help but wonder if she knew all the good she’d done with her time on the Earth. I wondered if she’d be surprised by the seemingly minor exchanges she shared with people that over the years made a difference in shaping the trajectory of their journey.

The day was bittersweet, yet served as a great reminder of some important lessons. 1. Live without regret. 2. You never know the impact you’re having on someone’s day, week or lifetime, so when in doubt choose to be kind rather than right. 3. Shower the people you love with love so in the end nothing is left unsaid or undone. Begin now to craft a life of actions and experiences that will illicit the eulogy you’d be proud of.

To begin, answer these questions:How do you want to be remembered?

• What’s on your bucket list?
• What will people say at your funeral?
• What traits and funny quirks will people recall with a smile?
• What’s your eulogy going to sound like?

It’s time to find out! Take your answers to these questions and write your eulogy. Make it reflect the best of you and all your potential. Once you have it, use your eulogy as a guide to make decisions as you go, so deliberately determine the direction and altitude of your life so at the end of your days, you’ll have produced a body of work you’re proud of. Live well!