104. Death Brings Gifts w/ Hal Elrod

Have you ever been confronted with death? Either yours or someone else’s? What gifts has that confrontation brought you? (it has brought you gifts, right?) Are you daily committed to making every day your best day? If not, why not? In this episode, my esteemed guest, Hal Elrod, author of “The Miracle Morning,” and I delve into these questions and more to unearth profound insights that can significantly impact your life. While this episode doesn’t revolve around Hal’s Miracle Morning practice, let me briefly summarize it. The Miracle Morning combines six practices, from journaling to meditation, into a morning routine that can be completed in as little as six minutes or extended as long as you wish. I once dedicated an entire hour to it, and the results were transformative, leaving me feeling euphoric. However, our discussion today takes a different path. There are numerous ways to learn about The Miracle Morning, as it has become a global phenomenon. Multiple books have sold millions of copies, there’s a documentary on Amazon Prime, a thriving online community with millions participating worldwide, and more. Today, I have the privilege of conversing with its creator, Hal Elrod, to explore other facets of his remarkable life journey. Before we dive in, I must share a secret to how I consistently bring exceptional and inspiring guests like Hal to this podcast. My commitment to regularly surround myself with and engage in conversations with inspiring individuals has been a game-changer in my life. Many of my guests, including Hal, are a result of these personal connections. About a year ago, I met John Vroman, the founder of Front Row Dads, who has become a dear friend residing just 15 minutes away. During our time together, I mentioned an essay I wrote eight years ago titled “Choose Her Every Day or Leave Her.” To my surprise, John informed me that one of his closest friends, Hal Elrod, had read that article and credited it with saving his marriage. I was deeply honoured by this revelation. Being a fan of Hal’s work and knowing that my words had a meaningful impact on him strengthened our connection. There’s something profoundly gratifying about knowing that your vulnerable words have touched someone in a profound way, forging a deeper bond. I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to converse with Hal on “Men This Way” today. Let me reiterate that our focus today isn’t on “The Miracle Morning” but on another crucial topic that all men must confront to live fulfilling lives, foster strong relationships, and achieve their deepest aspirations. HIGHLIGHTS  (14:31) Bryan delves into Hal’s life, recounting his near-death encounters and significant life events. From the loss of his baby sister to the harrowing incident of being struck by a drunken truck driver, surviving a coma, overcoming leg paralysis, and ultimately conquering cancer, these experiences have profoundly shaped him.  Throughout these trials, Hal’s unwavering focus on the bright side of life has become his most treasured superpower, a guiding force for the remainder of his days. His ability to detach from circumstances beyond his control and find peace in the present moment has emerged as a cornerstone of his outlook on life. “Not being attached to things that you can’t change, being at peace with life exactly as it is,” defines his resilient perspective. (19:43) Hal’s profound perspective on life and death is one of complete acceptance and inner peace, deeply influenced by his studies in enlightenment and Greek philosophy. He openly shares his outlook on death, viewing it with a sense of serenity. To Hal, death is not to be feared, for it is an inevitable part of life. He likens life to a coin,