I was driving my 12 year old daughter, Hannah, to school yesterday morning.

She was a little tired and not all that excited that it was Monday.

I asked her to close her eyes and imagine that she was not 12, but that she was 112. That it was 100 years in the future and she was at a pleasant place surrounded by nice people, but she was still 112. Her mind was fine, but her body was old. Her hand trembled when she held it out. It hurt a little to take deep breaths. Her knees and elbows were swollen and achy and she could only move very slowly.

Her eyesight was poor and everything looked cloudy.

I then said that a man came in to see 112 year old Hannah and said that for a million dollars, he could transport her 100 years into the past and make her 12 years old again. She’d be young and healthy and full of life. It would be just a typical day and she’d be going to school with all her friends and going to cheerleading that night. She’d be learning about the world while surrounded by a vibrant and lively community of people all rushing around with lots of color and sound.

Old Hannah quickly agreed to spend the money to have just one day of beautiful youth and health. One million dollars to experience the joy and thrill of jumping and laughing and running and learning and breathing free of pain.

I shouted “BAM” and Hannah opened her eyes. We were pulling up to school and I said, “enjoy your million dollar day!”

She kissed me goodbye and hopped out of the car.

When I got home last night, my wife Susan told me, “Hannah asked me to drive her to school tomorrow.”

 

 

 

Relephant: 

A Simple Self-Care Tip for Bad Days & Burnout.

 
 

Author: Eric Lebersfeld

Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: via the author

 

 

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