In no way am I attempting to come off as a pessimist, but I can't help but marvel at the reality and reliability of death. Personally, I have come to the realization that most of what occurs and exists throughout our lives is all rather fleeting and impermanent. From the moment we exit our mother's womb, we are automatically susceptible to all that this world has to offer, both good and bad. Over time, we may learn that not a single thing generated from either force is ever guaranteed. In fact, it is often during our time of adolescence when identity formation takes place, leaving us developing thought processes that list out all that is well-balanced in our lives. Once our minds have reached that point, we begin to gravitate towards an idealistic and programmed sense of reliability.
Given the unwavering distractions surrounding us, it comes as no surprise that we often toss the topic of death into some dark abyss, partly because we find ourselves far too preoccupied with the daily stressors of life to even bother entertaining the thought. After all, there is no purpose in worrying or reflecting upon death when it is an inevitable fate for us all, right? Frankly, I beg to differ. While some might find them pointless or downright terrifying, topics like death shouldn't be entirely neglected simply because we may find them intimidating. When dealing with these matters, perspective is everything. If seen from a positive light, venturing into the unknown mid-conversation can even become fascinating.
I suppose that the moral of the story here lies beneath the irony of death. Despite it being seemingly uncertain, death is virtually the only solid guarantee we have in life. Perhaps, death isn't as frightening once you begin to embrace the reality of it. Given my acceptance of Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and savior from a young age as well as my firm belief in the afterlife, dying has never been a cause of great fear for me. The way that I have come to perceive death is that once we pass away, our physical bodies become nothing but empty vessels without our souls present to grant our bodies the spiritual essence needed to sustain human life and consciousness. While personal beliefs may vary from person to person, we can all relate and respect the notion that death should not leave us feeling stagnant in life.
Over time, I have discovered that one of the key factors to living life to its utmost potential and splendor is having total awareness of what is impermanent and permanent in our lives. As you allow this thought to marinate in your mind for a while, reflect upon the roles that these impermanent and permanent things play in your life. What are you prioritizing? Do you often find yourself too caught up in the monotony of life that you end up paralyzed amid every attempt to escape the cycle? Friend, death is purely but an example of how fragile we truly are. To elaborate, we pop into the world in what feels like an instant, and with the snap of a finger, we vanish with just as much ease. As per the natural order of all things, life has its beginning and end. However, it's the gap in between that makes the profoundly spiritual experience we call "living" worthwhile. Realize that everything that surrounds you can be lost at any given moment. In fact, this realization is precisely why I implore you to value what is of utmost importance in your life. Frankly, the truth of the matter is that if we lived on carrying this optimistic mindset, we could potentially handle our approach at life and interpersonal relationships much differently. Wouldn't you?
If you have ever lost anyone that meant a great deal to you, then you would know that the death of a loved one is perhaps one of the most painful, confusing and infuriating events that someone can endure. Apart from this separation feeling unfair, it doesn't leave behind any explanations or forms of comfort. However, given the bitter taste of death, what then can we say about the value of a moment? A memory? Nothing on Earth is ever guaranteed. Picture your life in ten years. What career path do you picture yourself having chosen by then? Who would be your spouse? Which of your friends do you expect would stick around? Which ones wouldn't? When putting matters into perspective, there is no surefire way of determining what the outcome of your life will be or how the world will treat you. Naturally, the only thing we have established is that from dust we came, and to it we shall return. With that thought in mind, are you truly living?
Take a minute to envision a life in which you ceased the ongoing quest for stability. Imagine a life void of fearing the impending future and all that it entails. Would the choices you made be any different? Would you quit the job that no longer suits or fulfills you? Would you leave behind that unfruitful, toxic relationship? Because planning ahead and intricately orchestrating our so-called perfect idea of the future is a natural human inclination, many of us are constantly, and often obsessively dictating the lives that we want for ourselves, our family and children. While building towards the future is a positive thing, we must also learn to discern the difference between what is feasible and what isn't. However, being the stubborn creatures that we are, making an endless array of plans often feels like the comfortable route to take. Unfortunately, planning too far ahead can make room for much disappointment when certain plans don't come to pass. Why must we find ourselves in this perpetual state of confusion? Why can't we make life easier for ourselves and those around us? The answer is simple: we have become selfish and mindless. Even our day to day routines are mapped out as if we had any say in anything at all. If only we realized that human life, apart from being infinitely precious, is very impermanent. All that we truly have is the opportunity to live. Why not embrace this reality; this promise?
If you were to live your life as if every day was your last, how differently would you treat others? What would you say to your parent, lover or best friend if tonight was their last night on Earth? God forbid, it could be, but then what? Death is set in stone, but our reactions, the choices we make and the way that we decide to lead our lives aren't. I can't even begin to emphasize how many times we fail to express what lies within our hearts. It seems as if we are always two seconds too late when it comes to asking for forgiveness and giving people the respect and appreciation that they deserve. Most importantly, we fall short in expressing our love. We refrain from taking chances for the simple fear of failure. What if the opportunity you declined was success knocking on your door? Refuse to become that person. Do the most that you can with what you have. Let tomorrow be tomorrow, as living in the moment is all that we have. By choosing to live with the mindset that all we have guaranteed is death, nothing can or ever will be too late for you. You are right on time to becoming the person that you want to be.
Quit making mental notes of what your certainties are and avert your focus towards the fact that alongside every single memory you have experienced in the past, the memories you are building now are what matter the most. Don't let death be your only reason to live. If you aren't happy with a particular area in your life, refuse to linger in complacency only because living on the safe side feels more comfortable. Realize that your state of mind can make a massive impact in your life. Learn to activate that sense of humility and gratefulness within you. If you love someone, let them know. If you want something, never falter until you have attained it. Quit being afraid. Don't dwell in self-pity and refuse to settle for anything less than what you deserve. Love, cry, shout, forgive, laugh and take risks. More importantly— live.
