A common fear for many people is being exposed to the reality of death prematurely. Many people fear this natural event because uncertainty, doubt and misunderstanding shroud this phenomena. Many religious practices have attempted to place a worldly understanding to this event. As humans, we cannot identify with utmost certainty what actually occurs. Various understandings have become commonplace in a multitude of faithful traditions as a result of this uncertainty.
At the young age of 16, I inevitably learned the hardship and strife that goes along with losing a loved one. Both my grandmother and my grandfather had lost their worldly presence among my family and I. However, I firmly believe that although their bodies are not seen, they still walk with us each day.
This event brought me grief and pain, but allowed me to glean a valuable life lesson early in my life.
Live life to the fullest.
This phrase resonates within me as one of the most simple, yet complex ideas. Each day, we wake up and pursue a routine. As children, these routines are centralized around having fun and enjoying life. As we grow older, more responsibility is then added to these formerly whimsical schedules, which may add stress or difficulty to our lives. With more challenging tasks and less time to relax, people begin to take life for granted.
However, it is important to remember that our lives are still ticking away with each day that trickles by. Allowing ourselves to become construed and twisted by our daily lives is a fearful thought. We must remember to take care of ourselves each day. Experience nature, form new friendships, bond with our loved ones. These are all events in which life should be centered around.
While wondering through my favorite lecture hall at the University of Delaware, I stumbled upon another great phrase that states: “If we take ‘eternity’ to mean not infinite temporal duration, but timelessness, then eternal life belongs to those who live in the present.”
This jargon-filled quotation summarizes the importance of living in the present. We must live each day one by one. Not fearful of the future, and not cowardly because of our pasts. True life belongs to those who live in the now, who exhibit qualities of friendship and love, now.
The discovery of this quotation solidified my belief that we must live carefree lives. We cannot allow ourselves to squander in fear of not making enough money, of not being the best at our favorite activities, of not being safe. We must carry on, fearless, and pursue each and every opportunity we cast our eyes upon. For example, in light of recent terrorist threats, people have been less inclined to travel. This line of thought fuels the terrorists, and allows them to continue instilling fear within civilians. Instead, we should be travelling more frequently in order to show them that we are not fearful, not scared, not frightened. We are one with our worldly desires if we act in accordance to our beliefs and wishes. To allow others to desecrate those beliefs is a disservice to ourselves.
I do not intend to frighten you with this ideology of identifying your self-worth and pursuing your dreams. It is a bold claim, in which I am aware. However, you were given this great gift called life in order to fulfill those dreams you know to be true. To live a life of fear diminishes that gift. I firmly believe that when our time comes, it comes, and there is nothing we can do to avoid that natural event, the conclusion to our journey.
Make the most of your life, now. Do it while you can, and live not in fear, but in fortitude. Be strong, courageous, and set sights on your dreams. Accomplish goals, and make a life that you will cherish forever.
