Hello and welcome!
I’m Jacqueline Boone, creator of 6 Months to Live. More than 3 years ago, I was asked a single question that changed my life, “What would you do if you had 6 months to live?” I started this blog to find out what would happen if I took 6 months to truly live—to appreciate life’s moments, to let those around me know I loved them, and most importantly, to pursue my dreams even when the path was unclear or difficult.
My original 6-month experiment was so compelling that it turned into a life philosophy: be true to who you are and create a life you love!
WHAT MAKES YOU COME ALIVE?
We have this life once. How are you choosing to spend it? What is in your heart and why wait?
We can enjoy life now. We can pursue our dreams today. We can LIVE for the present while also planning for the future. We can be the people we were born to be and make the world a better place by following our true hearts’ callings.
Be alive! Be adventurous. Grow. Love! Explore. Travel. Dance. Make friends. Change. Try something new. Question. Climb trees. Play with kids! Learn. Be vulnerable. Take chances. Trust. Make mistakes. Be a goofball. Laugh. Above all, live!
Why is this the most important question facing humanity today?
Happy people don’t make war. If you wake up every morning loving your life and living your purpose whatever that may be, I guarantee that not only will your life be phenomenal, but those around you will be as well. Alive people radiate positivity. Their laughter is infectious (look at Kid President). They celebrate diversity and have friends from all walks of life. That ripple effect enlightens the world.
Can you imagine a world where we each live our purpose, love ourselves and each other as we are, and open-heartedly communicate with one another?
The planet would change overnight.
Join our community!
This website is now a global community of people who inspire, enliven, and empower one another in truly living!
Join our network by subscribing to receive updates and sharing your thoughts in the comments section of the blog and on Twitter, Facebook, & Pinterest.
Life is waiting. Will you join us?
Interesting. Thank you for this …
I Will ponder it. I will explore your site. God Willing,
Love.
Thanks for visiting and commenting!
This is a great idea! I love it. I am looking forward to reading and sharing this part of your journey.
Thanks so much! I really enjoyed reading about your site, too!
wow, I’m excited to get you block and read them.That’s amazing! Iwanna to tell you “I miss you so much!”I finally know more about your new life which is very interesting.I was sorry to lost your e-mail .Could you reply a e-mail to mine?I can’t wait to chat with you.
yours sincerely,
chinese sister SKY
I think I am crazy now!Blog!A small mistake.haha .I like your climbing action, and it represents the female of the brave.I miss you!
Thanks Sky!
one of my love girl
Hi, nice to meet you !
Nice to meet you too!
Neat blog topic…I had a professor engage us in an activity which reminded me of your blog. He asked us to make 4 boxes on a piece of paper. For the first box, we had to make a comprehensive list detailing the things we would do if we knew we had 10 years to live. The second box had us writing down ideas if we only had 2 years to live, and in the third box, we only had 4 weeks. The 4th box, however, had a different scenario. We were given 2 HOURS to live, and had to pick 1 person to share those two hours with. It was a very emotional and moving activity, and I still get tears thinking about it. Really makes you decide what’s the most important thing in life (to me, this was unabashedly love). Kudos to you and your blog! Hope everything works out well for you!
Wow–sounds facinating! Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement! I wish you the best!
I have been just thinking about this too!! will be following your blog
Great! Thanks!
Interesting idea! ok so what I did yesterday doesn’t count for that much but I did dye my hair black at the age of just over the hill, against everyones advice. And I love it!
Awesome!
I love the premises of your site! I have a blog that’s somewhat similar, it follows my journey through my bucket list. I talk about things I have done and things I hope to do. Best wishes!
Very cool! I’ll have to check it out!
“Carpe Diem”, right? Seize the day! Make your life extraordinary.
Exactly!
I started my blog to document my bucket list…but now its being directed about my life: my thoughts, my struggles, my joys, my idiosyncrasies, and my random.
My blog has really helped me to see everyday things in a different light.
Cool! I’ll check it out!
I love this idea. What’s my budget for the 6 months? I need to quit my job.
Thanks for posting, Bonnie! If you quit your job, what would you like to do?
Standing at the crossroads, I was contemplating this very question about what I would do with 6 months to live because I think it helps you focus on what is important in your life. I did a search on the question and found your blog. Very interesting. I will have to keep an eye on you as I give the idea more thought. Feel free to check out my blog – thetyblog.
Thanks for visiting, Ty! I will be sure to check your blog out.
Wow, this is an amazing idea. It takes courage to go ahead with something like this! I am looking forward to reading about your adventures and activities.
Thanks! I really appreciate that!
This looks like a fantastic way to live life!
Thanks! Really enjoyed your blog. You’re a very talented writer.
I checked out your blog after you left a nice comment on a recent post I wrote in my blog. Wow, Jacqueline… you are an awesome writer and a remarkable person! I turned 50 this year. You brought out emotion in me today… realizing so much of my life I haven’t chosen to really “live”. I can’t wait to read more of your posts. What an inspiration you are! Thank you for appearing to me when I needed a nudge… it’s about time, huh?
Thanks so much! In all honesty, I can’t believe you’re 50. You look so young! And I was actually needing a nudge today too, which is one of the reasons I visited your blog. It looks like you’re living a wonderful life, surrounded by nature and animals. Look forward to reading more of your adventures, and thanks again for the appreciation and the nudge!
Really cool blog! I love what you’re doing here
Keep living it up!!!
Thank you! I really appreciate that! I’ve been trying to finish my book for some time now and seeing your blog today inspired me to take action!
The truth is we are all dying from the day we are born and it is freeing to learn to live in that light.
Blog on …
Thanks for your visit to our site.
JamieDedes
Thanks so much! Appreciate your visit!
I’m T minus 25 days until I’m 30 and your blog reminds me to put what’s important first. I especially liked the comment about the 4 boxes drawn on a paper with 10 years, 2 years, 4 weeks, 2 hours to live in them.
Thanks Sarah, and happy early bday! I’m sure your 30′s will be even better than your 20′s!
Hi Jacqueline, thanks for dropping by my site. Have a great day!
Likewise!
I love this idea. Fortunately when I was younger, I did live this way. Now I am quite ill and can’t seem to get better, but I have no regrets. I’ve fulfilled most of my list and have sneaky little ways to mark off some others, even if I am not around to see it.
Great blog here. Glad I found it (or it found me)!
Thank you! And thanks so much for visiting. I really enjoyed your blog and look forward to reading more of your posts. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re ill. I can tell from your blog and your comment that you have truly lived and understand the value of life. I will send healing thoughts your way!
I’ve never had the courage to choose how to live like you ..
That’s why I’m so jealous of you: D
thanks for stopping in my blog
I think living comes in all varieties. It looks like you’re truly living a life that is meaningful for you! Congratulations on your 1-year wedding anniversary! The photos were great!
Jacqueline,
I left you a comment back at my blog; but in case you don’t visit it again any time soon, I want to let you know a). thanks for visiting me and b). your blog and ideas are very cool.
Best wishes with your endeavor. I hope to stop in from time to time to check what’s going on for you. Noble experiment you’ve got going on. I don’t have a list, but in time, I notice my ability to change myself increases; then again, as I age, I’m not sure where I get stuck. Not getting stuck would be nice.
Thanks again! twinkly
Hi Twinkly! Thanks for visiting, and yes, I did see your comment and response, but I appreciate you taking the time to visit and post here.
Also, thanks for the well wishes and for checking in on my posts!
great idea! enjoyed my visit to your blog and will be back for more!
Thanks for visiting and look forward to your upcoming visits!
Hi Jacqueline, today, I revisited my Thank You page and your domain name (http://6monthstolive.wordpress.com) caught my attention. Hopefully that “6monthstolive” doesn’t have something to do with your health. Anyways. I wish you well. Stay blessed…
No worries, ARVee! I’m fit as a fiddle!
The blog is all about living, being true to who you are, and appreciating life and all it has to offer! Thanks you for the well wishes, blessings to you as well!
Wow, what a fabulous attitude. I am looking forward to following your journey and maybe even embracing it myself.
Thanks so much! That sound great.
I love what you’re doing. The concept intrigues me…. makes me want to sit down and write my own list. Hmmmm….
What can you do in 6 months?
It is amazing how much people can live, how much they can grow, what they can learn in even a day. Imagine 6 months.
It is really strange how people interpret the concept of time and life, and how the two are connected.
Thought-provoking blog Jacqueline. Thank you for sharing!
Very true! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
[...] the other day, I came across a blog that has inspired me to make some more goals. Things that I always thought would be cool to do, [...]
Thanks! So glad that the blog has inspired you!
I love this idea. How inspiring! I hope everyone has a chance to truly understand at one point in their life how to “Live Like You Are Dying”. Good luck to you. I look forward to stopping back and reading the discoveries you continue to make!
Tara
Thanks Tara! Appreciate you commenting and visiting!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Love the pic in your header, where was it taken?!!
Sure thing! It was taken in Thailand on a rock-climbing island.
So I am browsing around and I come across your avatar on another site and I say to myself …. “Wow! This guy has Julia Roberts reading his stuff. How cool is that?” Uncanny resemblance there sister … almost spooky.
You have a nice site, good reading.
DS
Haha. Thanks! My uncle always says I look like her, but no one else has ever brought that up. Thanks for visiting my site, DS!
Wow, what an amazing premise for a blog! I love it. Just wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog today. I look forward to reading more of yours, as well.
Kathy
Thanks Kathy! I really appreciate your kind words and thoroughly enjoyed your blog too!
This is great… I truly hope each place you visit and every adventure you go on will offer you another snippet of what it really means to live. I wish more people possessed a similar mentality. Rarely do they stop, look around, and appreciate the moment.
Thanks for reminding me of all the things I want to experience. Your mentality is, “let’s just do it.” Love it.
- Katie at http://www.ohshineon.com
Thanks Katie! I’m really glad my blog made an impact. So did yours!
This is such an amazing concept, I bet it really helps to get stuff done you normally wouldn’t do, in fact everyone should life as if today would be their last day, then there wouldn’t be so many dreams left unfulfilled!
Good point! All life is a balance I guess between making sure we do all the big things in life and leave having no regrets, but also take time to stop and enjoy all the beauty life has to offer! Thanks for visiting and for commenting!
Love this way to approach life! “No day but today!” : )
Thanks! Really enjoyed your website and tv show–hilarious!
I was going to ask you Jacqueline if you were dying as i saw the theme of your blog but i had to read through on your “About” and you are doing a great job Jacqueline. Well, it gives one some time to reflect and think if we really had so little time on earth what would we do differently? That’s the question i am asking myself right now and i need to be on my own to get a response. Keep up the good job!
Glad that you liked the blog! It is a powerful question indeed—one that I still don’t have all the answers to and maybe I never will. I guess that’s the beauty of rhetorical questions. They open us to possibilities… Thanks for visiting and for commenting!
Hey girl,
As you know, I have been loving reading your blog. Your posts are an inspiration to me and I appreciate the opportunity to have “met” you.
For this reason, I am nominating you for the Liebster Blog Award. The award is given to a blog with less than 200 followers that deserves a little more recognition. There are a few simple rules that go along with the award. They are as follows as passed on to me:
1. Give a shout out to the blogger who nominated you by linking back to their blog.
2. Nominate 5 other blogs with less than 200 followers.
3. Spread the good blog karma.
Lastly, don’t forget to add the Liebster blog award image to your post.
Best wishes.
Thanks so much, Kate! I really appreciate your voting for me. That means a lot! I will spread the love in the blogger world! I’ve also enjoyed reading your posts.
thanks for visiting my blog! I look forward to exploring yours! Looks awesome so far!
Thanks for visiting as well! Loved your photos!
Well, Well Jacqueline . I’m glad you found my blog http://hellenjc.wordpress.com/ A very similar idea ( though mine is going to take considerably longer !!
it’s going to be fun following each other’s blogs and very interesting !
Absolutely! I think your idea of Saturdays is a great one! Look forward to reading more
Yea nice idea… I also think so…. I also will work for 6 years and than will take a long leave to live the life…
After all why and for whom are we earning money.. ??? We should also live the life parallely..
Glad you like the idea of the blog! Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. Life is too good to waste!
at least we are trying to so as much as we can but we work…yeah I know “we” put too much emphasis on working and making money…but in my world I have to so we can ride and get away. I wish I could live like I only have 6 months left but in reality I will most likely be working for those 6 months. Sad bu true. nice blog here!
Hi there! Judging from your website, it looks like you are both living an awesome life! I work too. Actually, one of my latest posts is about living a meaingful life while having a job (I work 9-5) http://6monthstolive.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/why-dont-you-quit-your-job/ There are all sorts of variations! I enjoyed reading your blog too–think what y’all are doing is awesome!
I guess we are living but I always want more time away and here I am embarking on a new more demanding career…I need challenges but also we LOVE to ride. In the end we make the best of the long vacations we try to get each year and do something BIG and unpredictable. So, yeah we are having an awesome life just seems so long in between the awesomeness.
I definitely know that feeling! I love being in motion, so in the periods where I’m not traveling as much or need to save some funds, I find other ways to feed that part of me–riding my bike (bicycle) every day, bootcamp in the park, dancing in my apartment, weekend or day trips out of the city, etc. Best of luck on your new career and all your adventures to come–maybe there’s a way to combine the challenges you’re wanting out of your career with biking or maybe biking is your solace and recharge time. The good news is that as long as it’s what you want and what you’re passionate about, it’s all gravy! (My southernisms seem to be coming out more–lol)
After meeting you and your girl today. I was intrigued about your blog and you as a person. I must admit after reading your blog I feel as if Ive actually spent sometime getting to know you and its quite refreshing your outlook and passions..(the banjo) But seriously this blog is refreshing and thought provoking in the sense it forces one to stop and in look inwards at the very core of who they are and answer a simple question, If you had 6 months to live, would life mean more to you than it does now?
I love anything that makes you pause and appreciate life for the gift it is and live it as such.
Hi Lee! Thanks for visiting–so glad that you enjoyed the blog. Adult best friend trips can be in short supply (especially international ones), so I’m glad that Bennett and I got a chance to meet you in transit, and on top of it, got to do it with a snowy background! You completely summed up an aspect of 6 Months that is deeply significant “would life mean more to you than it does now” and furthermore, would you make changes to reflect a life that is meaningful every day? I also love your other quote: “I love anything that makes you pause and appreciate life for the gift it is and live it as such.” Beautifully said! Thanks again so much for your thoughtful and kind words.
I know you’ve received it before, but I’m giving you the award again…The Versatile Blogger award. Because you’re that awesome. You can find my post here: http://jeangreyphoenix.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/twice-the-awards-means-twice-the-gratefulness/
Wow! Thank Kate! That’s so sweet of you. I really appreciate that!
Added your blog to my fav. links!
love & light
EL
Thanks so much, EL! I’m honored! In the process of overhauling and updating the website. Will do a complete redo of recommendations down the line!
so many blogs so little time lol
There are many wonderful blogs, indeed!
I just wandered over your blog through a random blog, living life for life’s sake seems like such an alien concept these days… so i’ve got a bunch of questions popping in my head right now,but i am just gonna post a couple of them;
1. Do you travel all the time when you are trying out these new things?
2. If you do, then don’t you work?
P.s I am yet to read your blog
Hi Sheryx! So glad that you found my blog and commented. More than happy to answer your questions. 1) Unfortunately, I don’t travel all the time. Luckily, I have a job that allows me to travel some of the time, but the other 90%, I’m based in San Francisco. I do, however, make it a point to travel as much as possible with the time I’m able, even if it’s only for a weekend. I’ve also lived abroad twice (once in Spain and 3 years in China), so I used that time to see as much of the world as possible as well. 2) I think my response to #1 answered that question, but yes, I do work.
Hi Jacqueline,
I have really loved reading your blog in these past few months and would love to give you the Versatile Blogger Award. I know that you have already been nominated for it, but I couldn’t NOT have you in my list of favourite blogs
Here are the details:
http://l0ve0utl0ud.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/versatile-blogger-award/
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that.
Means a lot to me that you enjoy the blog so much, and I always love seeing your “likes” and comments. 
This is to inform you that you have been nominated for the HUG Award©! The award is being made in the following post on my blog – ‘John’s Mega Award Ceremony’! The post will be published this afternoon (21-02-2012)! Congratulations on receiving this recognition of your philosophy on life, your superb blog and how you bring hope to people by reminding them of the important things in life!
Hi Jacqueline – I think I have said everything I want to say about you and your blog in the above post, so I hope you will have a look and a read! Your blog is magic! Sorry about the formality of this notification but I sometimes think a ‘touch’ of formality adds weight to an award!
I also need to include this link, http://ahopefortoday.com/2012/01/14/hope-unites-globally-hug-award-guidelines/, so that you have the same information that I received about the award. You can then spread the award by nominating others if you wish to do so.
Cheers
John
Thanks so much, John! I’ve never received the HUG Award before. I also truly appreciate that you think my blog is “magic”–that is one of the best compliments I’ve received. Thank you again!
I love the new look! I think you’ve come a long way in this, Jackie, inspiring countless others on the way. Congratulations, I’m honoured to have known you
Thanks so much, Devina! So glad to hear that you like it, and I so appreciate your kind and encouraging words! I’m glad that we’ve had a chance to “meet” as well.
Loving the new site friend!
Thanks so much, CeCe! Glad you like it.
Found your blog through your interview with Gabriel about his Story of Flewn on Kickstarter. Awesome project and I can’t wait to see the final product. Love your blog too! Try to live that way.
Hi Robert! Thanks so much for stopping by and for commenting. Gabriel’s project is awesome indeed! I’m also a backer and can’t wait to see the finished project. Really glad to hear that you also enjoyed the blog as well. Hope to see you again!
Your new website is awesome!! Looking forward to discovering your new posts and videos!
Thank you!! So glad to hear that!
Your site is an inspiration and i absolutely love it!!!! I am just wondering what site host do you use and who designed it? it looks amazing! please let me know thank u!
Thank you, Rachel! I used a theme from Theme Forest and Jerome, a graphic designer, made customized changes I couldn’t do on my own. He and his company, smpl, do amazing work. Highly encourage checking them out!
Hi Jacqueline, thank you for visiting my site and liking me on Facebook. It’s an honor. More power! *Safe travels!
Sure! Really like your photography. I’ll be sure to keep visiting.
Hi Jacqueline,
So glad to have found your blog. I asked myself pretty much the same question, “If you died tomorrow what would you regret not doing?” The answer, “MURALS!” Surprised me because I was a studio artist but swinging a big brush loosened me up and ultimately led me to a completely new business of helping women change their lives – particularly in love. How does art factor in all this? I incorporate art with my coaching to help my clients deal with their emotional issues more effectively. It works!
I love the inspiring stories on your site. Thank you for your continued contribution to the betterment of us all.
Teresa Leigh Ander
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting, Teresa! I look forward to checking out your site and see how you incorporate art, helping women, and love. Very intriguing!
I love what you are doing here…resonates with how I’d like to live my life, and how I’d like to spread that joy to others. Everyone has a choice to live life to their fullest potential, in their own unique ways
Thank you, Desiree! I’m so glad to hear you like it! I absolutely agree with you and everyone’s choice to pursue their full potential. It’s amazing what can happen when we really choose to live the life we want!
wow!Jackie,this is Mary!your students in China Ningyuan.Remember?hahhah i visit your Blog,and it’s so cool!wish i can start my round-the-world journey one day!Best wishes!
Hi Mary! So good to hear from you! Best wishes to you as well!
Hey Jacqueline! This looks great, what a cool website! I’m cheering! Anne
Thanks Anne! Really appreciate that. Redirected the old site to this one. Glad you like it!
Hi Jacqueline!
What an incredible idea for a blog! I’m excited to read some posts and learn more about you and your readers!
(PS I must admit I love “The Bucket List” and started one of my own! I have a few checkmarks now)
Thank you! So glad to hear that you like it. That’s awesome! What are some of the top items on your Bucket List? What have you crossed off so far?
Hi Jacqueline and thanks for finding me on Twitter. I’m thrilled to find your blog and connect with you.
A lot of your tags correspond to topics on my own writer’s (lifestyle) blog. I do hope you’ll drop in as we have a lot in common. And for your South American travels you may find the posts on my chocolate travel blog about Ecuador and Peru interesting. You’ll find those at http://diversionswithdoreen.com. I hope you’ll check that out, too.
Travel is what I live for.
Thanks so much for commenting and connecting, Doreen! I can’t wait to check out your blog and learn more about your travels through South America. That’s my next stop! Travel is such an amazing part of life, and I look forward to sharing and swapping stories!
Wow, so great to meet you – your ‘handle’ on my FB page caught my attention, as I am trying to live this way, having had too many good friends die too young recently. Trying to share my passion for life through poetry & photography. I just love your blog. Please visit mine too! Can’t wait for these next 6 months
!
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Heather!
I’m so sorry to hear about your friends. Sending you supportive and comforting thoughts!
I’m glad to hear that you’re sharing your passion for life through poetry–look forward to checking out your site! Did you write a book recently? Likewise! I have a feeling the next 6 months are going to be phenomenal for both of us!
I get jazzed whenever I am thinking and I come up with a great idea. That’s what makes me happy.
Awesome Ben! I’m the same way!
Couldn’t have said it better myself, a philosophy we should all live by!
Peace Love & Adventure!
Thanks so much, Liz! Love your site and philosophy! Look forward to your updates, adventures, and wandering!
What a cool blog! Granted, I just discovered you but I’ve really enjoyed each post I’ve read so far. I’m curious about your 30 day plant based diet and how that turned out…will continue reading to learn more but, in the meantime, I wanted to drop you a note to say hi and encourage you to keep writing…so we can keep reading! (Selfish, I know!
Thank you, Rob!
I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed reading through the blog! I’ll be writing a post shortly on my 30-day plant-eating experiment. It has definitely motivated me to make some permanent changes! 
Thanks for all the encouragement! I’ll be writing my whole life!
Jacqueline, it was a pleasure meeting you at the Atlanta Bloggers Meet Up. You are truly inspirational. I wish you the best of luck with all of your “life experiments”.
Teodora
Likewise Teodora! Love your site and your style! It was wonderful talking with you and learning more about you. Look forward to keeping in touch and wish you much happiness!
I like your attitude! You channel the kind of thoughts I increasingly have as retirement looms about five years out. I’m shooting for a life well lived, and so far have done a reasonably good job of it, yet there is so much more that I want to do and learn, and so many more ways that I want to help and serve others. Cheers!
Thanks John! What would you like to do once you retire? What are your dreams?
I liked the concept. I also asked myself almost similar question few years back: “How many good things you can recall that happened to you in these years?” And I got dumb found to see in my 10000 days of life I got only almost 100 of good memories to recall. That really struck my mind and almost started a mission to live the life I have to remember each day as a gift. If only we could realize the true meaning of life which includes family, loving ourselves, sharing, loving others but not only money or fame or success, this could be another story. This Universe would be much prettier and much healthier. Would like to check your other posts – but first post blew my mind already. Thanks
Thank you Ahmed! I like your idea of looking at 10,000 days and recalling memories, and I love your passion for living each day as a gift. If you watch episode 4 with Dwayne, you’ll see him say many wise words, including that idea: http://6monthstolive.me/6-months-tv/ Thanks again for visiting and look forward to more of your comments!
Love this content and theme. My purpose is to help people discover their greatness, tap into their genius and support them in creating the life they love. Thank you for this site.
Thanks Theresa! Sounds like we have a very similar mission–keep up the awesomeness!
HI Jacqueline
Just to tell you I’ve nominated you for a Versatile Bloggers Award. You can read about it on http://www.oddznns.com. I’ll understand if you don’t have time to pass it on. It’s simply my way of acknowledging everything you do.
Cheers
Audrey
Thank you, Audrey! That’s so sweet–totally made my day!