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

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.

Praise for What Matters Most

“In What Matters Most, end-of-life doula Diane Button, provides the same care and comfort to readers as she does with her clients. The insights she has learned from her clients will bring you peace and remind you that it is never too late to work towards a meaningful life.” – Maria Shriver

“Words to live and die by!  Thanks to Diane and her remarkable clients, the most glorious secret is out: If you want to die well, get on with living, and now is the best time to start.  Begin in these pages, full of wit and humor and magnificent sorrow, to inspire you as much as guide you.  I’ve been hearing about Diane’s good work for years, and now I see what all the fuss is about!” —BJ Miller, MD.  Palliative care physician, co-founder of Mettle Health, and co-author of A Beginner’s Guide to the End

"What an eye-opening read! The stories and lessons in What Matters Most offer a uniquely life-changing perspective, one that took me heart failure at age 47 to begin to understand. I am incredibly grateful for these gentle, but necessary reminders of what is truly important in life. I'll be thinking about the stories and the lessons in this book for years to come. You don't need to have your heart stop to appreciate the wisdom in this book."—Chip Conley, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Modern Elder Academy

“What Matters Most is like a cozy chat with an old wise friend over a cup of tea — funny, honest, heartfelt, familiar, and a permission slip to stop sweating the small stuff and start loving the big stuff (hint: it’s not your to-do list). It is a joyful nudge to ditch the chaos and lean into life.” —Alua Arthur – Death Doula and New York Times bestselling author of Briefly Perfectly Human 

“Diane Button’s profound influence on the end-of-life doula movement has shaped a compassionate revolution in how we support the dying. As an author, educator, mentor, and practicing doula, Diane’s wisdom, grace, and generosity have empowered countless individuals—both those preparing to die and those who walk beside them. Her leadership within the National End of Life Doula Alliance and her dedication to mentoring new doulas have elevated the practice into a sacred and transformative calling. I am a better doula because of her. This powerful book honors Diane’s extraordinary journey, celebrating the ripple effect of her work and the many lives she has touched. Through her story, readers will discover what it truly means to accompany someone with dignity, presence, and love in their final chapter.” —Angela Shook, Former President, National End of Life Doula Alliance; Co-Author The Doula Tool Kit

“If the idea of reading a book by an end-of-life doula scares you, stop right now and listen to me. Diane Button’s What Matters Most: Lessons The Dying Teach Us About Living is really like sitting with a wise friend…She, like this book is compassionate, wise, and gentle. Button has worked as a death doula for more than 16 years, helping countless clients reflect back on their lives, easing their transitions. At the same time, they’ve shared their own insights, lessons and wisdom on how to live a life that matters. This books ranks among the most important works to focus on a good death—from Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s On Death and Dying to Paul Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air. But if you’re not ready to die, this book is also for you. It’s a beautiful roadmap of how to live a good and meaningful life. Do not be scared!” —Steven Petrow, author of The Joy You Make, and contributing columnist at The Washington Post

“This book is a gem. Diane Button, companion for dying people, shares her remarkable gift for creating the emotional space into which whatever needs to safely unfold arises naturally.  The practice of patient, forgiving, compassion for others relieves suffering all around. Life, at any age, becomes a precious gift. Health care becomes holiness care.” — Sylvia Boorstein, Founding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and author of Happiness Is an Inside Job.