Recently, my wife and I had the immense pleasure of seeing the show Hamilton for the first time. I have had the privilege of seeing a lot of great theatre over the years but Hamilton is in class of its own. To say it is a masterpiece is severely underselling this show. I was tremendously moved by it.

In several of the songs in the show, various characters ask Hamilton, “Why do you write like you’re running out of time?” To say Hamilton’s writing was prolific is an understatement – as an example, he wrote 51 of the 85 total essays in the “Federalist Papers” where he, John Jay, and James Madison defended the new US Constitution.

What does all this have to do with me? I also enjoy writing. I am nowhere near as prolific or articulate as Hamilton was but I still enjoy the process of putting my thoughts down with the hope that my writing will not only help me but others as well.

So why does Hamilton write like he is running out of time? Because we all are – running out of time that is. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone and eventually we will all die. Do I have another day or another 40 years? I have no idea and neither do you.

What is the legacy we will leave? It won’t be my work, or my music, or my photography. My biggest contribution will be the three amazing daughters my wife and I have raised together. It will be these three people who will carry the lessons I have tried to teach them and pass them along to the next generation, whether through their own children or through the people who they influence as teachers, mentors, or friends.

So, let’s all write the story of our lives like we are running out of time. Because we are. What would you differently if you knew that today was your last day in this life? And why the f*ck aren’t you doing it?