It still hasn’t quite sunk in for me. My friend, and a friend to so many around the world, Dan Miller, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given less than six months to live.

Dan was my first-ever Read to Lead Podcast guest.

He appeared again in episode #067, and two more times after that, including just last year.

Dan is, of course, best known as the New York Times bestselling author of the book 48 Days to the Work (and Life) You Love.

His life has impacted millions, literally.

I must admit that, in light of the news, it has been difficult for me to find the motivation to go on as normal as the new year is underway.

Let me put it a little more plainly: This has hit me hard!

Hard enough that I’ve struggled with conducting new interviews and have relied on publishing interviews that were already “in the can” to finish out the year.

I have just needed some time to process.

I know what you’re thinking: “Jeff. You’re not the one with cancer.”

You are right.

My response to this news contrasted with Dan’s own response holds another valuable lesson for me (and for you).

While I’m over here wallowing, Dan is asking the same question he encourages us to ask in the face of any challenge.

“What does this make possible?”

Dan recognizes the blessing that is knowing your time is soon going to be up, and he’s making the most of it.

I would expect nothing less from Dan.

In this episode is my attempt to share what Dan means to me, as well as the thoughts of a few listeners who wrote me to share how Dan has impacted them.

At the end of the episode, I’ve intentionally added five minutes of silence. I encourage you to use this time to think about what truly matters to you. Maybe even think about how you would respond if told you had six months to live.

Thank you for being a part of the Read to Lead Community.

Click the play button below to listen to the episode

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Links That Were Mentioned

Check out Dan’s final episode of the 48 Days Radio Show.

Write your message for Dan on his Murial page here.

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