Leading with Love: The Courage to Prepare for What Matters Most

#LeadandLift | Episode 139 | Sherry Richert Belul

True leadership isn’t only about the boardroom or the business. It’s about how we love, the courage we show in preparing for what matters most, and the legacy we leave behind.

In this heartfelt episode of Lead and Lift, I sat down with Sherry Richert Belul, founder of Simply Celebrate and author of The Love List of a Lifetime, to talk about a topic that’s both deeply emotional and profoundly practical—end-of-life planning.

Sherry reminds us that facing our mortality is not about fear, it’s about love in action.

“When we’re willing to face the fact that we’re going to die and we put our plans in place, it frees us to really live.” — Sherry Richert Belul

Facing the Inevitable With Intention

We spend our lives planning, business goals, vacations, retirement but rarely do we plan for one of the most certain events in life: our death.

When I shared how my mother-in-law’s sudden illness shook our family, Sherry affirmed something powerful: preparation gives peace.

“Even if we live long, doing our end-of-life planning now brings the greatest peace of mind and clarity. It brings everything into focus, what really matters and who really matters.” — Sherry Richert Belul

That clarity is not morbid, it’s liberating. It invites us to live with purpose, love deeply, and remove the burden of confusion from those we’ll one day leave behind.

A Legacy of Love, Not Just Logistics

Sherry’s new book, The Love List of a Lifetime, is divided into two sections. The first half covers the practicalities such as wills, healthcare directives, and important documents.

But it’s the second half that holds the heart of her message: the love we leave behind.

“Aside from the will and all the important legal documents, I’ve left my loved ones a lot of love. It’s my peace of mind knowing that if I die tomorrow, they’ll know how much they mattered.” — Sherry Richert Belul

Through love letters, notes, and keepsake messages, Sherry encourages readers to leave behind emotional treasures, not just material ones.

These aren’t just documents. They’re magical moments preserved forever, words that echo love even after we’re gone.

Leading by Example: Modeling Responsibility and Intention

As leaders, parents, and mentors, we often talk about vision. But how often do we apply that same visionary mindset to our personal lives?

“Leadership means living with intention. It’s about taking responsibility not just for your business or your team but for your life and what you leave behind.” — Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

By creating a love list or end-of-life plan, we model responsible self-leadership. We show our children and loved ones that it’s okay to talk about death, to prepare for it, and to prioritize love over fear.

Sherry shared how she’s opened this conversation with her nieces and son, not to dwell on death, but to normalize it and make it an act of love.

“When we talk openly about this, we teach others that it’s not something to fear. It’s just another part of living with intention.” — Sherry Richert Belul

Stories That Live On

One of the most touching parts of Sherry’s process is documenting the stories behind the objects we love.

She photographs meaningful items like jewelry from her grandmother or paintings from friends and writes short stories about their significance.

“I want the people I love to know the stories behind these things. What’s meaningful to me becomes meaningful to them because I told them why.” — Sherry Richert Belul

This simple act preserves memories, reduces family conflict, and transforms ordinary possessions into lasting symbols of connection.

Love Is the Ultimate Legacy

End-of-life planning isn’t about fear, it’s about love, leadership, and responsibility. It’s a final act of generosity that allows our families to grieve without confusion and to move forward with peace.

“Preparation is not about fear, it’s about love in action.” — Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

Sherry’s message is clear: when you lead with love, you lead forever.

Her book, The Love List of a Lifetime, is a practical and emotional guide that walks you step-by-step through both the logistics and the love. It’s not just for older adults, it’s for anyone who wants to live with more clarity, connection, and peace of mind.

“Even if you think you’re too young, too busy, or too scared, I promise, this will feel like a gift to yourself and everyone you love.” — Sherry Richert Belul

Get the Book + Free Gifts

Sherry is offering special book bonuses including:

• Templates for your own Love List

• A guided digital journal for reflection

• A comforting conversation with Ripples founder Paul about facing fear and finding peace

The Love List Of A Lifetime launches on November 4.  Grab your copy and start creating your legacy of love today:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wish-List-Lifetime-Practical-Instructions/dp/1684816998

Book Bonus page for after you order:

https://simplycelebrate.net/love-list-of-a-lifetime/

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• Sherry Richert Belul's Facebook
• Sherry Richert Belul's Instagram
• Sherry Richert Belul's LinkedIn
• Sherry Richert Belul's Website
• Sherry Richert Belul's LinkTree
• Sherry Richert Belul's YouTube
• Sherry Richert Belul's TikTok
• Simply Celebrate Facebook

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• Chabidaye Facebook
• Chabidaye Instagram
• Chabidaye LinkedIn
• Chabidaye Website