How Do You Want To Go Out?

“Love never fails. Character never quits. And with patience and persistence, dreams do come true.” -Pete Maravich

“Basketball is a beautiful art form. The court is our canvas, and we are the artists.” -Pete Maravich

“They don’t pay you a million dollars for two-hand chest passes.” -Pete Maravich

“The simple act of opening a bottle of wine has brought more happiness to the human race than all the collective governments in the history of earth.” -Jim Harrison

I’ve written before about the benefits of adopting a regular Memento Mori practice. (You can find countless articles espousing it as well.) The thought is that by regularly reflecting on our own mortality, we’ll gain perspective as well as be freed up and energized to take that creative risk, make that important decision, start that passion project, etc.

But what about reflecting on exactly how we’d like to die? I mean the specifics of it all. And maybe using that reflection to ensure we’re doing what we love. Or at the very least, doing it more often.

For example, one of my childhood basketball idols was “Pistol” Pete Maravich (My Numero Uno is Magic Johnson). After a Hall of Fame career, the Pistol sadly died of a heart attack at age 40 playing pickup basketball at a Pasadena gym.

I remember reading that and thinking: If I had the opportunity to choose (and of course, none of us do), I’d like to go out like that. Or acting in a play. Talk about making a grand exit!

I’m extremely fortunate and grateful that I still do both activities and will continue to do both until I no longer can. (Perhaps that means I’m on the right track?)

So, what will it be for you?

How would you like to go out? Are you doing that activity now?

If not, why not?

And if not now, when?…

P.S. – H/t to the always excellent Substack “Poetic Outlaws” for this post about the poet and writer, Jim Harrison, who died in 2016 at the age of 78. “He was found dead at his writing desk like a true poet, a pen still in his hand, mid-composition of what would become his final, untitled poem.”

P.P.S. – The book, “Pistol: The Life Of Pete Maravich” is a magnificent read. I highly recommend. And check out this highlight reel. Look at the socks!