This series of messages, titled "It's Not What You Think" is designed to highlight the fact that generally-speaking, our assumptions and predictions may sometimes be proven wrong.
As you can probably imagine, in the years since I was given my "expiry date", I have spent a great deal of time thinking about my own death. Most of that thinking was done early on - in fact, I really haven't given it much thought at all during recent years. I live with an acute awareness of my own mortality, but I certainly don't dwell on it.
As most of you know, I was given my expiry date because I was born with multiple congenital heart defects. So I've always imagined that my death would be directly related to my heart. Naturally, my first choice would be to have my heart simply stop one night while I am sleeping. But I've also envisioned death from congestive heart failure and big, dramatic chest-clutching heart attacks.
And then came the morning of October 10th, 2006. That was the day that I had a Transient Ischemic Attack, also known as a "warning stroke". You can read the Mindful Moment about it here.
Just after I realized I was having a stroke, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps it wouldn't be my heart that brings about my death. I thought that perhaps it would be the stroke that would finish my life. "Wait a minute" I thought, "maybe this stroke won't kill me, but just leave me incapacitated."
Up to that point, I had never really considered the idea that my life wouldn't end with a dramatic flare. Then I heard a voice in my head saying: "That's the thing about life - it's not always what you think."
ENJOY NOW!
On Feb 28th, 2007 the Dr. Oz show on the Oprah & Friends channel of XM Satellite Radio devoted the entire hour to speaking with Patrick about the Power of Mortality™ and his book "What's Your Expiry Date? Embrace Your Mortality - Live With Vitality".
If you missed it live, you can read the show summary on Oprah's website.
- Are you interesting in having Patrick speak to your company, group or association?
- Are you interested in having him conduct a workshop?
- Are you interested in both?
Allan Todd is Patrick's business manager. Contact him today to discuss the options.
WELCOME!
