Finding Clarity in Aruba
I recently returned from an incredible meeting in Aruba called Clarity—and the name truly says it all. Created by Dr. Erica Howe, founder of the Women Physicians Wellness (WPW) Conference, this event was designed to help physicians step back from the chaos of their careers, reflect deeply, and begin curating lives filled with intention rather than exhaustion.
Every session left an impression on me. But one talk, in particular, struck a deep chord—because it wasn’t really about medicine at all. It was about life.
Lessons from the End of Life
The session was given by Christi Bartlett, a hospice and palliative care specialist. Christi has spent her career walking alongside people at the end of life. She shared story after story of patients who, when faced with their final moments, didn’t dwell on their inboxes, their charts, or the endless to-do lists that consumed their working days.
Instead, their thoughts turned to the people they loved, the experiences that brought them joy, and the moments that made them feel alive.
Her message was clear: life is finite. We don’t get to decide how much time we have—but we do get to decide how we use it.
And that means we can’t wait for the “perfect” moment to begin living with intention.
Stop waiting for the inbox to be empty.
Pause the urge to tidy every corner before you rest.
Let the laundry stay unfolded for now.
Because the truth is, the work will always be there. But time? Time will not.
A Personal Loss That Made the Message Real
Just one day before the conference, my sister’s best friend, Ana Flávia, passed away from surgical complications. She spent 44 days fighting in the ICU, but ultimately, her body could not endure.
Ana was only in the prime of her life. Her passing was shocking, heartbreaking, and profoundly unfair. And yet—even in her final days—Ana showed us what it means to live life to its fullest.
Ana’s Legacy of Love and Purpose
Ana was the founder of a women’s support group in Brazil called O Poder do Batom Vermelho—“The Power of the Red Lipstick.” Through it, she created a space where women could connect, uplift one another, and build life-changing relationships.
She was vibrant, compassionate, and full of purpose. Her energy filled every room, and her passion for empowering women was contagious.
Even in her darkest hours, Ana’s focus was on others. In the middle of the night, after being admitted to the hospital, she called my sister and two close friends. Her request was simple but profound: keep the group alive, no matter what.
She knew how much it mattered. She knew the power of community, connection, and support. And she wanted that legacy to continue long after she was gone.
Ana didn’t wait to live. She lived boldly, fully, and with purpose—right up until the end.
What It Means to Live Life to Its Fullest
Hearing Christi’s talk on death and reflecting on Ana’s life illuminated the same truth: living fully is not about the length of your days, but the depth of them.
Living life to its fullest means:
- Choosing experiences over perfection.
- Prioritizing people over paperwork.
- Saying yes to joy instead of waiting for the “right” time.
- Finding purpose beyond productivity.
It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the things that matter most.
Why We Struggle to Live Fully
The Illusion of the “Right Time”
So many of us fall into the trap of waiting. We tell ourselves:
- I’ll travel when work slows down.
- I’ll start writing that book once the kids are older.
- I’ll make time for myself after things calm down.
But here’s the truth: things rarely calm down. Life is always busy, always demanding, always pulling us in different directions. Waiting for the perfect time is another way of saying we may never do it at all.
The Weight of Responsibility
For physicians especially, the sense of responsibility can feel crushing. Patients depend on us. Paperwork piles up. The healthcare system makes demands that seem never-ending. And yet, if we don’t take care of ourselves—if we don’t allow ourselves to live fully—we cannot serve others well.
How to Start Living Fully Today
If you’ve been wondering how to live life to its fullest, here are a few lessons Ana’s story (and Christi’s wisdom) have taught me:
1. Stop Waiting for Someday
If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, start today. It doesn’t have to be a huge leap—it can be a single small step in the right direction.
2. Prioritize Connection
Ana’s legacy reminds us that relationships are what matter most. Call the friend you’ve been meaning to call. Make time for family dinners. Build community wherever you are.
3. Embrace Joy Without Guilt
It’s easy to feel guilty for resting, traveling, or simply enjoying yourself. But joy is not a luxury—it’s fuel. It sustains you so you can give more to others.
4. Define Your Purpose
Living fully doesn’t mean doing everything—it means doing what matters most to you. Ask yourself: What do I want my legacy to be?
5. Choose Love Over Fear
Fear will always whisper reasons to wait, hold back, or stay safe. Love will encourage you to step forward, even when it’s uncomfortable. Choose love.
The Intersection of Time and Purpose
At its core, living fully comes down to two things: time and purpose. Time is finite, but purpose is infinite. When we align the way we spend our days with what matters most, we create a life of depth, meaning, and fulfillment.
Ana’s story reminds us that purpose can live on even after we’re gone. The group she created continues to empower women. Her influence ripples outward, touching lives she never even met. That is the power of a life lived fully.
Are You Living Fully—Right Now?
So I leave you with this question:
Are you living your life fully—today?
Or are you waiting for the “right time”?
The truth is, the right time is now.
You don’t have to wait for a birthday, a tragedy, or a wake-up call to begin. You can choose today to live with intention, embrace joy, and create purpose.
Conclusion: Honor the Gift of Time
Ana Flávia’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She reminds us that life is fragile, unpredictable, and precious. But she also shows us that even in limited time, it’s possible to create a powerful, lasting legacy.
So this year, as I reflect on her life and the lessons I’ve learned, I’m committed to choosing love, purpose, and joy. I’m committed to living boldly. I’m committed to making every day count.
Because life is too short to wait.
The time to live life to its fullest is now.
Thank you for being here.
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