Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, Steve Stein sits down with acclaimed author and mindset expert Karen Salmansohn for an in-depth conversation about her upcoming book, “Year to Die for Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out.” Karen and Steve explore how mortality awareness can catalyze a life well-lived, waking us up from autopilot to tap into deeper authenticity, gratitude, and actionable joy.

Key Topics Discussed

• Near Life Experiences vs. Truly Living: Karen explains how many of us go through our days on autopilot—scrolling mindlessly, distracted, and missing out on real, vibrant life. She shares strategies for waking up and savoring every moment.

• The Power of Mortality Awareness: Inspired by her father’s passing, Karen reveals how pondering life’s finiteness isn’t morbid—it's motivating. Knowing our time is limited helps us act with greater urgency and intention.

• Writing Your Own Eulogy & “To Die” List: Karen introduces practical exercises like writing your own eulogy (with a fun, Mad Libs-inspired template!) and creating a “To Die List”—a collection of what truly matters most.

• Core Values for a Meaningful Life: Explore Karen’s seven core values (Authentic, Brave, Curious, Discerning, Empathic Love, Fun, Gratitude) and learn how aligning your daily habits with these values helps reduce regret and boost fulfillment.

• Identity-Based Habits: How embracing positive self-identity and values leads to powerful, lasting behavioral change.

• Daily Practices to Cultivate Mindfulness: Accessible tools such as gratitude rituals in the morning, “speed bumps” (moments of awareness during the day), visual meditations, and journaling for self-reflection.

• Mortality Marble Jar: Karen introduces a visual monthly ritual—removing a marble for each month left in your projected life—which brings heightened appreciation and increased mindfulness to each day.

• Building Meaningful Relationships: Why time spent intentionally with those you love, and the ripples you leave, matter above all else.

Practical Takeaways

• Simple morning meditations to start your day with gratitude and intention

• How to use speed bumps and discernment to pause and make more meaningful daily choices

• Fun, engaging habits like the “fun jar” and monthly self-reflection with marbles

• Journaling prompts to deepen self-awareness and discover what matters most

Memorable Quotes

• “A spoonful of humor helps the psychological tools go down.”

• “Mortality awareness isn’t morbid—it’s motivating.”

• “The more you ‘you’ you are, the happier you’ll be.”

Resources & Links

• Karen’s Website: notsalmon.com

• Preorder the Book: yourtodieforlife.com

• SurfingTheTsunami.com – Wisdom Feed Plus Membership

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