If you knew that you were living your final earthly days, barring any physical or mental disabilities that would prevent you from doing what you desire, how would you spend the time you have left?
Giving the question serious thought after watching the film Don’t Look Up, I rejected a host of what I considered cliché or stereotypical answers. I let the question hang without a conclusion.
Shortly after these ruminations, a good friend and I were Zoom chatting about the world in general and especially about our emotional reactions to the horrors occurring in Ukraine. To change the subject and move to a more cheerful topic, my friend asked what brought me joy. Unlike the struggle I experienced when considering how I would want to spend my last days, I was able to articulate what brought me joy without hesitation.
In that moment, I realized that what brought me joy was how I want to spend my precious time near the end.
For some time now, without the conscious intention of preparing for my final act, I have taken note of my life’s journey through photos, video recordings, and journal writing. The happy memories provoked by these treasures bring me joy. They nourish me as I live in memory. The happy memories are what I want when I’m completing my journey.
What brings you joy?
Gwen Dungy 
As I sit watching my sister in her final days of a 5 month journey of hell, I’m catching up on your blogs. This couldn’t be more timely. For the past 3 months I’ve lived with her, I have watched the simplest things bring her joy. I’ve learned so much and hope I’m as prepared when those days come. Thank you, dear friend, for reminding me!