When I was a younger man, I lived my life with a philosophy of, "What's in it for me?" That all changed with one sentence... "You need to get your affairs in order. You have three months, six at the most, to live."
I sat across the desk from my oncologist as he spoke those words that shook my world. I thought he must be talking about somebody else.
I was diagnosed with a very rapid, fatal form of cancer. The doctor told me that there really wasn't anything they could do for it. He asked if I would be willing to try different types of experimental treatments. I figured I had no other options. The treatments made me unbelievably ill. There were many times when I thought that death would be kinder.
This was the bad news for Barry Gottlieb. The goods news, however was "off the charts!" A few weeks later he received a phone call from his doctor screaming on the phone..."You don't have cancer! It was a misdiagnosis...a mistake by the lab."
Can you imagine this happening to you? The roller coaster of emotions!
However, for Barry, it changed the way he thought about life. From that day forward, he said, "I made the decision to treat every day as a gift." Thus, the inspiration for this wonderful "manual for life."
Gratitude Every night before you go to sleep, recite aloud at least ten things for which you are grateful.
Forgive Let go of the past. Forgive those who have hurt or angered you. Stop carrying this poison around with you every day.
Love Be sure to tell those people in your life who mean so much to you that you love them and appreciate them.
Donate Go through your closets. Anything you haven't worn or used in the past year, box it or bag it and take it to a place where those who are less fortunate will benefit from your donation. Get your children involved!
Praise Make time to praise. Look for and recognize the good in others.
