By Leo Babauta

When a loved one lands in the hospital, it’s like a karate chop to the throat of all the things that normally occupy your mind space.

My dad went to the emergency room today — luckily he’ll be OK, though it’s fairly serious. He’ll survive, but this did serve to remind me of what’s important.

If your loved one went to the hospital today, would all the things that are worrying you matter?

If a storm destroyed your house today, and wiped out all your possessions, what would be important to you?

If you were on your deathbed, what would you want to be able to look back on and say you did with your life?

Don’t wait for disaster to hit to ask these questions.

Karate chop your world right now, and figure out what’s truly important. And then act on that, before it’s too late.

Update at 9:30pm Dec. 26: Not sure anymore if my dad’s gonna make it. 60% chance he won’t. Things took a turn for the worse.

Update at 9:30am on Dec. 27: still by my dad’s side, he’s looking worse, I have doubts he’ll make it. Grateful for all your kind wishes.