Running Out Of Time

In Korea, when someone is deemed terminally ill, rather than use these words, it's said that they are "running out of time."

So a person who has been diagnosed with a disease that has a prognosis of 6 months will say "I'm running out of time" (저 시한부래요) rather than say that they have a terminal illness.

I appreciate this expression, as it serves as a powerful reminder that all of us are actually terminally ill - we're all running out of time, and none of us know when our last day will be.

When people contact me asking for advice on what to do after being diagnosed with what conventional medicine deems an incurable disease, my primary message is this:

Conventional medicine may not have a prescribed path to address your symptoms, but there is much you can do to improve your quality of life, slow progression of the disease process, and possibly even contribute to what some would call a miraculous turnaround.

First, soak in anything that you find deeply moving or inspiring.

Second, take in things that cause you to smile, laugh, and cry where you deeply feel from your heart.

Third, do your best to forgive those who have badly hurt you, even if they've never expressed genuine remorse, and even if they're no longer with you.

Fourth, spend time in nature and be with fresh air and sunlight (without getting burned).

Fifth, prioritize deep rest and relaxation, and spend regular time visualizing all of your cells healing and becoming stronger than ever.

Sixth, minimize intake of sugar and other processed foods, and follow your instincts in choosing fresh, nutrient-dense foods that you crave.

These actions promote healing in ways that conventional medicine cannot. They're also powerful in preventing onset of new disease and dysfunction. And for the most part, these actions are possible for the vast majority of us regardless of where we live and our socioeconomic status.

The alternative is to allow progression of disease while we do little to change our momentum for the better. Given that there are no downsides to taking these actions, isn't it only rational that we try?

To the power of remembering that we're all running out of time.

#Time