The One Thing You Should Do Before Time Runs Out

Lately, I’ve been scrolling through countless emails about how to make better use of my time. You know the ones—tips for productivity, time management hacks, strategies to squeeze the most out of every day. But at 83 years old, I find myself thinking: Do I really need to maximize my time?

Instead, a different question lingers in my mind: How will I best use the time I have left?

This morning, I noticed my jade plant blooming in the window. You might not think that’s unusual, but you don’t know this jade plant’s story.

When my husband passed away, his cousin sent me a beautiful jade plant in his memory—blooming and full of life. I placed it on my kitchen counter, where I could see it every morning and think of him.

But one day, I walked into the kitchen, and my heart stopped. The plant had been stripped bare. Its once-vibrant blooms were gone, leaving only a few small sprouts in the large pot.

I later discovered the culprit—a pack rat had found its way into my home and decided to store the remaining leaves and flowers behind the trash can under the sink.

I was heartbroken. But I wasn’t ready to give up on that plant. It had been given to me in my husband’s memory, and I was determined to nurture what was left.

For the past year and a half, I’ve cared for those remaining sprouts. Slowly, month by month, they grew taller.

Then, this morning, something remarkable happened.

Two delicate pink buds greeted me.

As I stood there, looking at those new blooms, I thought back to another morning—one that still feels like yesterday. I was sitting beside my husband’s bed in the ICU, watching as the monitor showed his blood pressure slowly dropping. I knew time was running out.

And as I sat there, memories flooded in.

I remembered the moments when I had said thank you, I appreciate you, I love you. But I also thought about the moments I had let slip by—times when I was too busy, too distracted, or simply assumed there would always be another chance.

Then, time ran out. There were no more chances. No more opportunities to say the things I wished I had said.

I’m sharing this story with you because I don’t want you to wait until time runs out.

Use the time you have now.

Tell the people in your life that you appreciate them. Show them that you care. Let them know you love them.

That day in the hospital changed me. It made me realize that none of us know how much time we have left. The hourglass is always running, but we don’t see the grains slipping away until they’re almost gone.

So, I made a decision.

I decided to use whatever time I have left to express gratitude—for the big things and the little things. I started sending small “thank you” gifts to my neighbors who shovel my driveway without being asked. I make sure to tell the people at my local Senior Center how much I appreciate them. I even started a monthly newsletter to help us connect—not just as people who share a meal, but as friends.

Because none of us know if we will wake up to greet tomorrow.

The only time we truly have is this moment.

So, make the most of it. Say the words. Show your gratitude. Let the people in your life know they matter.

And when your time does run out, you’ll leave this world with fewer regrets—and more love left behind.