My Death Is Certain

I have been studying a work by Stephen Batchelor, a notable Buddhist scholar and writer.  He poses this conundrum, which has captured my attention for the past month or so:

                "Since death alone is certain, and the time of death uncertain, what should I do?" 

This profoundly simple question beguiles me.  First, since having left the presidency of a couple of not-for-profits, I have more free time to enjoy and invest; and secondly, I am approaching the end of my eighth decade.  So, since death is certain but the time of mine uncertain, what shall I do?

My answers aren't the point, for one's answers are particular and individual, but I will share how I went about developing my answers.

First, I reviewed my mission statement. Yes, just as in corporate life, consultancy, and not-for-profits, where I helped enterprises clarify their missions, when I retired, I wrote a mission statement for Fletch Waller, thanks to Scott Okie's example. Basically, it's still relevant, but I did modify it in one respect.  Second, I renewed my resolve to stay in shape.  

Third, I thought through what principles or specs could guide me to "what I shall do."  There turned out to be eight of them:

1.  Be of Service to someone, something.   I have been very lucky; the world has treated me well.  I need to pay back in whatever small way I can.

2.  Associate With Good People who can lift me up, teach me, inspire me, provide models.  I don't have time to suck up to "the right people" whose ethics or values or behavior might be questionable.

 3. Work at What I Love; work is the operative word: expend effort.  And don't fart around, Fletch, with should dos or ought tos.

4.  Seek to Lead sounds arrogant, but given experiences and mistakes -- from a few of which I hope I've learned -- try to influence whatever person or group I become involved in.  Lead informally.

5.  Be Forward Looking instead of loitering in the caboose reflecting down the tracks on where you've been.  Stay in the present, mindful, alert, asking "what might this portend; what is coming next?"

6.  Empathize.  Try to imagine what the world looks like through the other's eyes.  Empathy is the essential bridge builder, the connective tissue of civilization.

7.  Make Amends to all ignored, harmed, hurt by me.  Don't check out with bills unpaid.

8.  Act; with apologies to Nike, "Just Do It" diligently, relentlessly.  No time for grand plans, no procrastination.

Try the question on for size.  Since death alone is certain and the time of death uncertain, what should you do?