What Would You Do If You Only Had 30 Days to Live?

As Spiritual Warriors and Shin Daoists, we (Tina and I) are constantly reminded to live intentionally, embrace the sacredness of life, and walk the path with open hearts. But every now and then, life presents us with questions that demand a deeper level of reflection.

Recently, we participated in Eric C. Mortimer’s Jump Start 2025 program, where we were asked:

“If you only had 30 days to live, what would you do?”

This question pierced through the noise of daily life, forcing me (Neil Thrussell) to pause and reflect on what truly matters. As I sat with it, my mind and heart turned immediately to my nephews and nieces.

At that moment, I realized how much these incredible young people mean to me. They’ve brought joy, laughter, and love into my life, and I knew I needed to let them know just how deeply they are appreciated. This realization led me to write them a heartfelt letter.

The Power of Connection on the Shin Dao Path

Writing that letter was more than an act of love—it was a profound reminder of the principles of the Shin Dao. As Shin Daoists, we are called to:

• Open our hearts to those we love.
• Celebrate life’s little joys and meaningful relationships.
• Embrace the present moment fully and courageously.

The question—“What would you do with 30 days?”—is not just an intellectual exercise. It’s an invitation to live as a Spiritual Warrior with clarity, purpose, and connection at the forefront of our journey.

In my letter to my nieces and nephews, I shared my deep gratitude for their presence in my life. I told them how proud I am of who they are and invited them to celebrate with Aunty Tina and me this summer as we renew our vows in July in honour of 40 years of marriage.

But more importantly, I reminded them—and myself—that the relationships we cherish are what make life meaningful. This is one of the cornerstones of the Shin Dao: to love freely and deeply and to walk the path knowing that you never walk alone.

What Would You Do With 30 Days?

As a fellow Shin Daoist, I encourage you to take this question to heart. If you knew you had only 30 days to live, how would you spend them? Who would you reach out to? What unfinished conversations would you complete? What joys would you celebrate?

For me, the answer lies in relationships—spending time with loved ones, making memories, and sharing the fullness of life with an open heart. For you, the answer may be different, but the intention will be the same: to walk your path in alignment with the Six Guiding Pillars and the Twelve Tenets of the Shin Dao.

Living as a Spiritual Warrior

We don’t have to wait for a life-altering question to begin living this way. The path of the Spiritual Warrior calls us to embrace every moment as sacred, to cultivate love and connection, and to let go of the distractions that pull us away from what truly matters.

I invite you to take a moment today to reflect:

• Who needs to hear from you right now?
• What would you do if tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed?
• How can you bring more presence and intention into your journey?

The Shin Dao teaches us that your body is a temple, and your heart is your compass. Trust that compass to guide you to the people and experiences that bring meaning to your life.

As you walk this path, remember that every moment is an opportunity to live boldly, love deeply, and celebrate the sacredness of life.

So, my fellow Spiritual Warrior, what would you do with only 30 days left to live?

More importantly, what action will you take within the next 30 days as a result of contemplating this question?

With love and light,
Neil