Welcome
The March issue of Right Now! Notes asks you to consider a question that very well might change how you are living your life right now. After the essay, look for a new addition to the newsletter: Right Now! Resources.

The Question
If you had an hour to live and could make just one phone call,
who would it be to,
what would you say
. . . and why are you waiting?
—Stephen Levine

Psychologist and author Richard Carlson reflected on this question in a letter he wrote to his wife Kristine. Three years later he caught a flight and did not return home. He died at age 45 of a pulmonary embolism. Carlson’s letter to his wife—and her reflections about their life together—have been published in the book, An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love.

As Carlson pondered how he would spend his last hour, he considered who he would not call (his financial planner) and who he would not be complaining about (the people who had wronged him). He wrote, "I wonder how much time I fretted away, over the years, thinking about that kind of stuff. It’s not worth one second’s thought. What time I have left, I choose to allow my thoughts to rest in total peace, right here, right now in this precious moment."

Carlson’s words got me thinking: if we would not choose to spend our last hour on a thought or action, why would we spend this precious moment on it?

Think or journal about Levine’s question. If this were your last hour on earth:
• Who would you call?
• Who would you not call?
• What would you say?
• What would you keep silent about?
• Why are you waiting?

Throughout the next week, pay attention to your thoughts and actions. When you begin to dwell on the thoughts and actions that do not fit with your vision for that last hour, gently shift your attention to right now, to "this precious moment." One way to do this is to focus on something living. Attend to your breathing. Watch a plant. Connect with an animal. Engage (in a positive way) with another human being.

Then make that phone call.

Enjoy this precious moment,
—Rochelle,
the Right Now! Coach

Right Now! Resources
Start a dialogue by sending The Question to your friends. We’ve created a special Ecard at my Web site with Levine’s question on it. While you’re there, send notes of gratitude and encouragement to those you love.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Last year, Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University delivered his last lecture, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." Pausch is in his mid-forties and has terminal pancreatic cancer. You can watch his last lecture online at several sites. You can also order the book, which will be released in early April.

Download Lifeline by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals on the CD Lifeline. Harper’s song reminds us, "Life is much too short to sit and wonder/Who's gonna make the next move . . . "
 

Get it Right: A Revision Workshop for Nonfiction Writers This 4-week workshop is for writers who have a nonfiction article, essay, or book chapter manuscript and who are looking for a supportive, constructive critique of their work from an experienced editor and writing coach. Each class will include 30 minutes of teaching and 90 minutes of roundtable critique. Each group member will present and receive feedback on his or her work at least once in the 4-week session. Where: Schwartz Bookstore, Shorewood, WI When: Tuesdays from 6-8 pm, April 8, 15, 22, 29 Fee: $75 (Includes a copy of Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer by Moira Anderson Allen) To register: Call 963-3111 (Hurry! Space is limited!)

Coaching Specials Try It Now! Life Coaching Gift (for you or someone you love) Are you interested in coaching but afraid to try it? Do you have a friend who could use a coaching boost? New clients can try this introductory coaching package: three 30-minute sessions for just $200.00. Life Coaching Normally, each coaching session costs $100.00. Buy 10 coaching sessions and get them for just $850.00. Writing Coaching Each 45-minute writing coaching session provides you with the additional benefit of having Rochelle read and comment on 15-20 pages of double spaced text. Normally this session costs $150. Right Now purchase ten sessions for just $1200. Coaching for Spiritual Leaders Coaching for spiritual leaders costs just $75.00 per session. Purchase 10 sessions for 700.00. How to register: Sign up for coaching by sending an email to Rochelle at rochelle@rightnowcoach.com Get Inspired to Write! Check out my Right Now! store for inspiring clothes, bags, and mugs! All of my profits from the store benefit the Dream Keeper’s writing group, a class I teach for inner city teens. Greeting Cards Check out the Right Now! Web site's ECard section. Stop by today to encourage a friend to Dream Big, invite a loved one to coffee or dinner, or wish a colleague a Happy Birthday!

Right Now! Notes is a free
monthly e-mail newsletter designed to
consider how we can integrate spirituality
and creativity into our daily lives. It is written and
produced by Rochelle Melander, personal and
professional coach. If you have any questions
or comments, please send them to:
rochelle@rightnowcoach.com.
I would love to hear from you.

Feel free to forward your copy of
Right Now! Notes to anyone you think
might enjoy it. I do request that you keep
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my contact and copyright information.
 
This newsletter is COPYRIGHT 2008
by ROCHELLE MELANDER,
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Do not quote without the
written permission of the author.