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Sometimes things happen that you just can’t believe, understand, or even wrap your head around. But they happen nonetheless. This week one of those shocking, untimely, and seemingly unfair events happened: it was the sudden and unexpected passing of a friend, Scott Robinson. I was introduced to Scott this year by my friend Dr. Don Christian. We only had a couple of in-person conversations, but they were interesting, engaging, and profound.

I knew right away that Scott was a skilled, caring, and generous connector and business leader. He was the kind of person you liked right away, conversed with easily, and wanted to know better and support in some way. (I teach people how they can be more like this, so it’s important for me to know and study people like Scott. I observe how they conduct themselves, connect with others, and build powerful networks that help them make an impact in the world and create success in whatever they are doing.)

But that’s the business side of things. There are also more human and profound aspects of knowing — and then suddenly losing — people who are this extraordinary. And that has sparked some thoughts and questions I ask you to consider:

If you suddenly left this earth, would anyone notice or care? Would you be missed? How would you want to be remembered? How did you make people feel? Did you tell the people you care about how much you really cared? Did you help them at every opportunity? Did you leave behind happy memories? Did you spend your time wisely, doing what you loved? And did you complete whatever mission you were sent here to complete? Did you do all you could in the time you were given? Did you make an impact? Did you give back in some way? Did you give love, accept love, and embrace the good moments and experiences? Did you do your very best to forgive and let go of the crummy, unfair stuff?  Did you live your best life?

If not, maybe it’s time to make some changes.

We just don’t know how much time we have nor do we know when it’s our time to go. Some of us will be snatched away far too early. Some of us will leave a little at a time. Some of us will linger far longer than we want.  We don’t get to choose.

I do know this: we can all learn something from Scott’s sudden passing and be as intentional as we can be in living our lives; connecting  with care and authenticity, being generous with our time and talents, and enjoying the time we’re given.

As a quick side note and to close, I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday and was presented with some happy test results. Wasn’t anything serious but could have impacted my health if the news had been not so good. The doctor’s parting words to me were, “It’s all good news. Go enjoy life.” I loved that this physician, who tends to be very clinical and methodical, took a moment to say this to me. It was both welcomed and timely.

I’ll say it to you as well:  Go enjoy life. And while you’re at it, connect with intention and make a difference.

And so long, Scott. You made a difference and you were loved.