There are big questions many ask about the meaning of Life:
Why am I here?
What is my life’s purpose?
Why is there tragedy, sadness and pain?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
How do I know if I’m on the right path?
How do I let go of the past and live in the present?
What’s next?
And much more…….
At 72, I’ve discovered the answers to many of these questions. BUT….DEATH?!? Death always felt frightening to me, and funerals were awkward and uncomfortable. I wasn’t exposed to loss growing up. I didn’t know how to comfort others in their grief or even connect with my own emotions.
I’ve been widowed twice, lost beloved pets, my father a few years ago, many close relatives and friends, and currently losing my mom to dementia. It’s still difficult to grasp, but I continue to learn and grow through it all.
I’ve come to realize that death has a way of teaching us how to live.
- People matter more than things
- You realize what’s important, and priorities change
- Letting go is part of life
- Death is part of everyone’s future – so plan for it
- Make your final requests known to your family and friends
- Hire a Lawyer to draw up a Will (don’t do it yourself with online forms)
- Be in the present moment as much as possible
- You’re ALWAYS creating memories (for yourself and others)
- Right now you may be living in The Good Ole Days, because 5-10 years from now….they may be referred to as that
- If you have your health, you truly have EVERYTHING, so don’t take it for granted and don’t mess it up
- Overall, take life less seriously, and have more fun
- Say please and thank you more often
- Make time to do more of the things you love
- Make time for others and have no regrets
- Let your yes be YES, and your no be NO
- Keep your commitments
- Don’t leave things unsaid or take people or things for granted
- Be grateful for what you still have
- Let go of anger and unforgiveness, or they will slowly erode your soul.
- Let go of the small, petty complaints you have towards yourself or others because in the grand scheme of life, they just don’t matter
- Time is shorter than you think, so get to the things you say you’re going to do
- Live and Let live
Lastly….As a believer in God and keeper of the faith, I am comforted by what eternity promises. No sickness. No fear. No worries. No sorrow. No pain. No guilt or shame. And finally……Unconditional Love for all eternity.
Until the time when death calls me home, I’ll use up everything I’ve got to enjoy everyday blessings and help others whenever possible.
Life and death—there is still so much to understand and embrace.
