I'm excited to share my newest guest column in the Dade County Sentinel, titled "The Unpacked Legacy: How Preparing for Tomorrow Helps You Live Fully Today." You can read the full article here: https://www.dadecountysentinel.com/2025/07/03/the-unpacked-legacy-how-preparing-for-tomorrow-helps-you-live-fully-today.

In the bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to shy away from thinking about the less comfortable aspects of our future. We plan so much, yet often leave the practicalities surrounding our final wishes unspoken or unorganized. In this piece, I explore a powerful idea: that confronting these future realities, even in a simple, practical way, can actually unlock a profound sense of peace and empower you to truly live each present moment to its fullest.

For me, this realization crystallized around the concept of my "In Case I Die" folder – a modern approach to organizing vital documents, passwords, and wishes. It might sound daunting, but it's one of the most liberating acts. By handling these details, you ease the burden on your loved ones during a time of immense grief and, crucially, free up your own mental and emotional space to embrace today without nagging worries.

As Larry Moore II, Owner of Moore Funeral Home, so wisely puts it in the article: “At Moore Funeral Home, we’ve walked alongside countless families during some of the hardest days of their lives. I can tell you from experience—when someone takes the time to plan ahead, it makes an incredible difference. It gives your family peace of mind and the space to grieve without added stress. It’s one of the most thoughtful things you can do for the people you care about.”

A huge thank you to Moore Funeral Home for providing such a powerful and insightful quote for the column! Their perspective truly underscores the importance of this proactive approach.

This proactive approach to planning also cultivates a mindset for living fully now. It encourages us to cherish time, mend fences, speak our truths, share love, and pursue deferred dreams. When the "what ifs" of tomorrow are addressed, the "what nows" of today become infinitely richer.

I hope this column encourages you to consider creating your own "Unpacked Legacy." It’s not about orchestrating an ending; it’s about empowering yourself to live your most authentic, vibrant life today.

My memoir, "In Case I Die: A Southern Perspective of Death & Living Every Day Like it’s Your Last," delves deeper into these themes of loss, healing, and living fully. It’s available on Amazon and at McBride’s Book Store, The Gallery Gift Shop at the Historic Courthouse, and Hidden Treasures Booth Mall.