What Matters Most: Lessons the Dying Teach Us About Living

A profound, heartfelt, and inspiring exploration into living a meaningful life, filled with passion, joy, gratitude, and peace.

AN OPEN FIELD PUBLICATION FROM MARIA SHRIVER

In her unique work as a death doula, Diane Button has had the privilege of guiding clients to a peaceful transition for almost two decades. Each client has imparted wisdom that has left an indelible mark, offering her profound reflections and clarity of what it means to both live well and die well. Now, Diane invites you to share in this journey, offering insights that illuminate the path to a fulfilling life.

This poignant collection of stories highlights the powerful lessons Diane has learned from her “wisdom keepers,” revealing the core elements that contribute to a deep, purposeful existence. Each chapter shares the emotional story of an individual—like Floyd, whose weekly doctor visits show us how small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact, or Rosie, the spirited six-year-old who turns every day into a celebration—illustrating the beauty and fragility of life. Through these heartfelt narratives, readers are encouraged to reassess their priorities, nurture their connections, and pursue their passions with renewed urgency and appreciation.

The book culminates with Diane’s six reflective questions, along with other practical tools designed to help readers apply these timeless insights to their own lives. What Matters Most is a heartwarming, honest exploration of how to make the most of the precious time we are given.

Diane Button is a founding partner of the Bay Area End-of-Life Doula Alliance in Northern California and an instructor for the University of Vermont’s End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate Program. Holding a master’s in counseling psychology, she has been an influential board member of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance and a hospice volunteer. Diane is the author of several impactful books and has been featured on numerous programs and podcasts, inspiring others to leave a meaningful legacy. She lives in Northern California with her husband, Mark, and their beloved rescue dog, Maya.