One day, you are going to die, and there is nothing you can do about it.
Most people hear that sentence and their immediate response is to panic. Why is that? My theory is that it’s because we cannot stand the thought of something being out of our control. The inevitability of death makes us freak out and scramble to do everything in our immediate power to either prolong death, and/or make plans for after our death. In other words: try to control the smaller aspects that have to do with our death since we cannot control death itself.
There are few things in this world that can be promised with absolute certainty such as death. But instead of giving into that initial knee jerk reaction to freak out, I think we should take solace in it. Death is inevitable. So why worry about it?
I do not fear death. I am young, 20 years old to be exact. My brain works in this awesomely annoying way where I tend to fret over things that are way into the future or may very well never even happen. Death was especially high up on that list, keeping me up as I fell asleep at night, trying to picture what could possibly be on the other side of this life. I remember trying to picture what it would be like to be nothing. To be enveloped in what could possibly be an eternity of black, and wondering what the point of anything was anymore. I also remember the exact moment when I stopped being so scared.
It was a conversation with my dad, who also happens to be my best friend and my role model. I told him about my worries, wondering if he ever felt the same. He shrugged and kissed the top of my head, seeing the immense worry on my face.
“Sweetheart,” he said, “Why would I spend my time in this beautiful life I have worrying about something that is going to happen one day whether I want it to or not. That’s as ridiculous as wondering if the sky will be blue tomorrow or if the entire ocean is going to dry up overnight.”
I tried to protest, saying, “Yeah, but doesn’t it still scare you?”
“Nope. Not even a bit. I will live a life I am proud of surrounded by the people I love and when my time comes, it comes.”
One of my favorite quotes is, “I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” – Mark Twain.
Different religions and cultures all have their views on death and what may or may not happen to our souls after we pass. I invite you to do whatever research you see as necessary and develop your own opinion and thoughts on the whole ordeal, but I beg you not to dwell on it. I have no knowledge as to what happens to us when we die, though I do remain curious. Which I think is good. Be curious. Ask questions and keep an open mind. Be educated and hear the opinion of your peers and, hell, people from all over the world. One thing you will undoubtedly share with every person on this earth is death.
Now, just because I am not scared of death does not mean I am going to go throw myself in front of a bus. I have no desire to die, I simply have made my peace with when my time comes.
I leave you with one of my other favorite quotes about death that inspires me to live a brave life, full of adventure, wisdom, and love.
“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.” -Chief Tecumseh
