Terminal Lesson

Fans of the Wheel of Time series will be distressed to learn that Robert Jordan has been diagnosed with an extremely rare disease. Doctors have given him around four years to live based on the median life expectancy of the illness. Here's what Jordan said regarding his condition:

"In any case, I intend to live considerably longer than that. Everybody knows or has heard of someone who was told they had five years to live, only that was twenty years ago and here they guy is, still around and kicking. I mean to beat him. I sat down and figured out how long it would take me to write all of the books I currently have in mind, without adding anything new and without trying rush anything. The figure I came up with was thirty years. Now, I'm fifty-seven, so anyone my age hoping for another thirty years is asking for a fair bit, but I don't care. That is my minimum goal. I am going to finish those books, all of them, and that is that."

Man, I really admire that guy. Despite having a terminal illness, he still remains dedicated to doing his life's work and finishing writing his books. There's a lesson there somewhere but I can't put my finger on it.

I guess if you knew that you had a limited time on earth, you would enjoy life more. Savor every experience. Not complain as much about the minor irritations. Love your work, friends, and family more.

In fact, why wait?