Today Lakers Nations, and sports fans alike, tragically lost a legend, Kobe Bryant 41, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. The loss is shocking, overwhelming, and leaves many people at a loss for words. And I’m not sure I even have the right words here as I write this, but I’m called to try and so I will because I can.

First I want to express my deepest sympathy, prayers, and love to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers who lost their loved ones today. There are no words I can express that will replace the emotions and the experiences you will endure.

The details related to the tragedy are still unfolding. So instead of focusing on the little, we know about this unspeakable tragedy. Life is fleeting and like change can occur in an instant. So let’s take a look at some simple changes we can incorporate into our lives to enhance our own legacy today.

1. Our lives have an unknown expiration date, so be present at the moment to create the most memorable experiences. We’ve all heard, you cannot change the past, the future has not happened yet so stop worrying and FOCUS ON THE NOW.
   

2. Everyone seeks LOVE. So knowing we are all seeking the same, be a little kinder to yourself, have compassion for others whose struggles are unknown to you and be the LOVE you seek in the world. Life is too short to do otherwise.
   

3. Ditch the drama. Even those who are paid to perform drama all realize the havoc it can cause. It can drain your energy, dismantle relationships, and cause unnecessary upheavals that take away from the real priorities in your life. Everyone has their own story and drama so your JOB is to rewrite your story, not somebody else’s.
   

4. We all have an expiration date so make the most out of every moment today. Be grateful that you woke up and you are breathing at this moment. Be grateful for what you get to experience today for tomorrow is not promised.
   

5. Make connections, real ones. In the end, we all want to be kindly remembered by loved ones or anyone. We are all one. So what is your legacy and how would you want people to remember and cherish about you when you are no longer here.

I recognize change is scary and death is too. So now that we know that is all scary what will you do to make it less scary for yourself and others.

Loss just like change and fear are constants in life. May you find that sometimes the simple things in life are the biggest memories our loved ones remember.