I read a particular article in Forbes which really resonated. Simple yet thoughtful, it was a good cause for genuflection. It is not a two minute read, but I think you will really enjoy it. By Jessica Hagy, I am sharing in its entirety here. Have a great weekend.
40 Things To Say Before You Die
They’re just short sentences with big meaning.
I hope they get you talking.
40
“I wonder.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things040-300x176.jpg)
Give yourself time to think so the time you spend doing things will be better spent.
39
“Today was good.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things039-300x198.jpg)
If you can say it once, you can say it again. And again. And again.
38
“I believe in this.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things038-300x193.jpg)
A god, a plan, a company, a person, an idea—you have to put your faith in something.
37
“I’m not finished.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things037-300x159.jpg)
Only you get to decide when your life’s work is done.
36
“Thank you for making this possible.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things036-300x199.jpg)
Because nobody does anything alone. We’re driven and supported and thwarted by others at every turn.
35
“That’s enough.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things035-300x182.jpg)
Food. Drink. Episodes of Law & Order. Pairs of shoes. Overtime. Articulating your own limits is powerful.
34
“I can do better.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things034-300x185.jpg)
As soon as you say it, you’re that much closer to making it true.
33
“I’m sorry.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things031-300x239.jpg)
But you can’t just say it; you have to mean it. Really mean it.
32
“I survived.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things033-300x181.jpg)
Moments of danger are the plot points of an exciting life.
31
“You’re amazing.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things032-300x189.jpg)
Let yourself be in awe of another person, and you’ll feel strong and weak simultaneously.
30
“I am home.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things030-300x178.jpg)
Home is every adventure’s final destination and starting point—and we all need one to call our own.
29
“I did my best.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things029-300x184.jpg)
If this is true, you did something amazing.
28
“How can I help you?”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things028-300x170.jpg)
Because you want people to come to your funeral, and if they can’t make it, at least they’ll miss you.
27
“I’m lucky.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things027-300x168.jpg)
You are lucky, in a way that no one else is. Now, what are you going to do with your good fortune?
26
“I want that.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things026-300x157.jpg)
Ask for it: that’s you get what you covet—from others and for yourself.
25
“This is wrong.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things025-300x202.jpg)
If you never say it, you embody the statement.
24
“I quit.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things024-300x190.jpg)
Not everything is worthwhile, and sometimes we don’t find that out until we’re in the middle of a rotten situation.
23
“Isn’t this beautiful?”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things023-300x220.jpg)
The more often you notice the gorgeous world around you, the happier you’ll be.
22
“Congratulations.”
![... Shift+R improves the quality of this image. Shift+A improves the quality of all images on this page. undefined](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things0221-300x190.jpg)
Say this without jealously. Practice if you have to.
21
“Damn, I look good.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things021-300x196.jpg)
You come from a long line of people who convinced others to sleep with them. Remember that.
20
“I can master this.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things020-300x167.jpg)
The ability to learn is the foundation of every other talent.
19
“Hold the mayo.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things019-300x188.jpg)
Ask for the little things on a regular basis and you’ll find that it’s easier to make larger demands on occasion.
18
“This is who I am.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things018-300x216.jpg)
The nervous energy spent pretending to be something you’re not is better spent on practically anything else.
17
“Get out.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things017-300x171.jpg)
It’s always harder to take back an invitation than to give one, but protecting yourself from personified trouble is always worth the effort.
16
“That was my contribution.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things016-300x151.jpg)
Own what you’ve worked to create—that’s how your presence will be felt long after you’re gone.
15
“I’ll try it.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things015-300x181.jpg)
Consider the impotence of never saying you’ll try.
14
“Tell me more.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things014-300x200.jpg)
Really getting to know someone (or some topic) will help you better triangulate your own place in the world.
13
“This is my favorite thing.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things013-300x204.jpg)
Enjoy what you love and say this as often as you can.
12
“I earned this.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things012-300x211.jpg)
There’s a layer of proud ownership over everything you possess that wasn’t merely given to you.
11
“I don’t care.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things011-300x180.jpg)
Being able to discern between what’s important and what’s trivial is a skill that will save your sanity and your schedule.
10
“Your secret is safe with me.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things010-300x172.jpg)
Because it feels deep-down good to be trustworthy.
9
“Eureka!”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things007-300x176.jpg)
Being the first to know something is a delicious sensation.
8
“Let’s go!”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things009-300x208.jpg)
Where you’re going often matters far less than the enthusiasm you have for the trip.
7
“I trust you.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things008-300x160.jpg)
We all need allies, and admitting as much helps forge alliances.
6
“I don’t know how to do this.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things006-300x211.jpg)
It’s better to admit it and learn than to fake it and embarrass yourself.
5
“I’m terrified.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things005-300x169.jpg)
Fear is an asset. It can save you from danger and alert you to trouble. Don’t ignore the tingles that run up and down your spine.
4
“This is going to work.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things004-300x179.jpg)
When this is said truthfully, it’s an assertion of power.
3
“I made a decision.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things003-300x186.jpg)
Autonomy transforms any activity from a chore to an act of destiny.
2
“I love you.”
![undefined](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things001-300x180.jpg)
We all want to say this, and we all want it said to us.
1
“I understand.”
![](http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jessicahagy/files/2012/10/40things002-300x167.jpg)
More important than being right, or being important, is being truly aware.