The Brutal Truth About Happiness (From a Dying 22-Year-Old)

Mar 25, 2025

What’s Good About Today: Lessons in Love, Loss, and Legacy from Christopher Cochran

In this deeply moving episode of Good Mood Revolution, I had the privilege of speaking with Christopher Cochran, author of What’s Good About Today: A Purpose Driven Life. This conversation is a tribute to his son Christian, a remarkable young man whose short life left a powerful legacy of kindness, faith, and living with intention.

The Power of Perspective

Christopher’s son Christian was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer at the age of 22. Despite the devastating news, Christian never complained. Instead, he embraced each day with courage, optimism, and love. He would ask his family, “What’s good about today?” — a simple question that became a guiding principle and the title of Christopher’s book.

Two Truths That Transformed Christopher’s Grief

After losing Christian, Christopher faced unimaginable grief. But over time, two key realizations helped him move forward:

  • Remain humble before God – “I am not owed anything,” Christopher said. Even the people we love most are gifts, not guarantees.
  • Recognize you’re not in control – Releasing the illusion of control brought a deep peace. As Christopher shared, “I thought I could control Christian’s illness — I couldn’t.”

Lessons From Christian’s Life

Christian lived with extraordinary purpose and love. He had a photographic memory, was a top graduate, and still found time to lift others. From complimenting substitute teachers to lifting his family through their darkest days, he embodied compassion.

Some of the principles Christopher shared from his son’s legacy include:

  • The “To Love List” – Instead of a to-do list, Christian wrote a “to love” list every day. It included people he wanted to intentionally love or encourage.
  • Don’t take life so seriously – One of Christian’s only regrets? “I did too much homework.”
  • Focus on the present moment – Christian taught his family to value today. “We’re only guaranteed this moment,” Christopher said.

Hope for Those in Pain

Christopher offered hope for anyone grieving, suffering, or facing hardship:

  • Say it out loud: “What’s good about today?” Say it in the morning, at night, or whenever you need to shift perspective.
  • Find the light, even in loss: On the day Christian passed, a doctor said, “Your son taught us how to live, and how to die.”
  • Keep showing up with love: Christian’s story continues through the Christian Cochran Legacy Fund, which supports children, animals, and young adults with cancer.

How to Learn More

To support or learn more about Christian’s mission:

This episode is a powerful reminder that even in life’s greatest heartbreak, we can find beauty, grace, and purpose. Christian’s light lives on in every person who dares to ask, “What’s good about today?”