Life on a Dime

Grief Recovery Series

 By Patricia D. Freudenberg

In the United States, the idiom “on a dime” often describes a sudden shift—how something can turn or change direction quickly and precisely. Then there’s “living on a dime,” which refers to getting by with limited means. Each of these phrases is rooted in simplicity, resourcefulness, and responsiveness.

Today, I offer a new reflection: Life on a Dime.

When someone we love passes on, we’re forced to pause. Grief has a way of confronting us with the fragile nature of existence. That small coin—the dime—becomes a metaphor for life itself. Compact, valuable, fleeting. The dash between our sunrise and our sunset. The tiny marker between arrival and departure.

“Life on a Dime” is not a cause for sorrow but an invitation for presence. It is an encouragement to embrace the mystery of life and the miracle of now. It’s a perspective that urges us to become aware of how precious each moment is—especially in the wake of loss.

Grief is an internal experience, but mourning is the movement we make. If we can coin this phrase Life on a Dime into a mindset, we can begin to transform our mourning into mission. We can honor our loved ones by living meaningfully in the land of the living.

Let this be a pivot.

A shift from loss into legacy. A turn from heaviness into heartfelt purpose. A redirection from pain into appreciation.

Because life on a dime is not just short—it’s sacred. And that sacredness is best honored when we live with intention.

Prompt for Reflection: If you were holding one dime to represent your life, how would you spend it today? What moment could you appreciate more, and what action could you take that gives meaning to your dash?

Recommended Resource: To help bring clarity and purpose into focus during your grief journey, consider creating a vision board. This powerful tool helps channel reflections into intentional living. Here’s a beautiful and practical option available on Amazon: ⬇️

Vision Board Kit

All Rights Reserved. © Patricia D. Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach