September 17 is designated as Time’s Up Day. Doesn’t it sound ominous? It is ominous because it can make the difference between your own Mental Freedom® and lifelong regrets. Last month, I was made all too aware of how short life is and what it could be like to leave this world with things left unsaid, and worse, petty conflicts getting in the way of our important relationships.

If you are like most people, including myself, you probably think there is plenty of time to fix any rifts or say the important things you want to say to someone. Many of you already know my husband died from leukemia at age 37. We were fortunate, in one way, because the gift of time allowed us to say everything we needed to say while he was battling his illness. Not everyone gets this opportunity.

You are probably familiar with the expression, “Live today like it’s your last.” I’ve heard it hundreds, if not thousands of times, but never really knew what that meant. Should I run through as many things as possible on my bucket list? How about shutting myself in somewhere and praying? Or maybe I should get to my children and hold them close. I used to think that expression could lead to irresponsibility. If it were my last day, I might think of spending my money on impractical things, leaving me a deficit when I survive to live a much longer life. What would you do if you knew today would be your last? What if you knew today would be a loved one’s last day and there’s a rift between you, or what if you love that person and never told them?

My question to you would be, “What stops you from saying the important things out loud today?” Regret is something a lot of people live with. Sometimes those regrets are unavoidable, but many are completely within our control to manage so there are zero regrets later. If you are someone who always tells people what you think and doesn’t let petty differences get in the way of your relationships, then take a moment to appreciate that quality about yourself. You won’t have to live with these Time’s Up moments.

On the other hand, if you are reading this and realize there are things you might want to take care of today, please don’t wait. Just this summer, two people I know received a terminal cancer diagnosis and died within one and two weeks of their diagnosis. The first person I didn’t know well, but I did know her sister. They had been estranged for 15 years. Fortunately for them, they spent that last week together reconciling and healing their past pain.

And just last week, a good friend of mine passed away from cancer. She had been diagnosed earlier but was in denial about how bad things were and didn’t tell anyone. By the time it was obvious to others, she only had two weeks left to live. I was upset, thinking I wasn’t going to have the opportunity to tell her how much her friendship meant to me because she wasn’t well enough for visitors. I sent her a card but really wanted the opportunity to say goodbye face-to-face, and fortunately, I was granted that opportunity when her family needed someone to sit with her. Having that closure helped me immensely and prompted the writing of this blog.

Time waits for no one. If there is something you want to do before you die, do it now. You never know how much time is left. If there are sentiments and important things you want your loved ones to know, tell them now, or at least write them a letter that they can discover once you’re gone. Just consider that writing that letter will allow you to say what’s important to you but it won’t allow your loved ones the closure they may crave. If you’d rather not hear what they have to say, then write the letter, but if you want this to be a two-way street, consider telling them now or sending that letter now rather than leaving it to be discovered later.

And finally, if you have misunderstandings, petty differences, or serious arguments that you wouldn’t want to still stand if Time’s Up for either of you, don’t wait. You hear it over and over again. The things that matter at the end of your life are not the possessions you’ve accumulated; you can’t take them with you. The memories of all the things you’ve done end with you. What does matter is the people you have impacted and the relationships you have built. Your influence remains; let it be something meaningful. Reach out today because you truly never know when Time’s Up.