Accepting Death is the Key to a Great Life

In a Los Angeles Times article about growing old, an 80-something woman explains her vibrancy and calm demeanor this way: “I think about living every morning. But since I'm going to die one day, I choose not to worry about anything.”

Wait a minute. Living an anxiety-free life because you know you’re going to die?

Yup.

Once we accept that our days are numbered, we can relax and just take it all in. The realization that we have just one life means that we can live it any way we please. And we’re sure the heck not going to spend it worrying, arguing and fretting, because - well, we’re going to die anyway.

Do you know an older person in your life who seems to have more energy than you do? They look happy and - wow - they’re even busier than you are.

The secret held by many is that life is a gift.

While millennials ask, “What is the point of life if we’re just going to die?” their grandparents see things differently: “If I’m going to die, I may as well just be myself, take it as a gift and enjoy for as long as it lasts!”

Every fight inside of you - every fear - every worry - every negative thought...all a waste of time.

Because you’re going to die.

How we spend our time, what we think about - and how we treat other people - are all seen through a different lens when we finally realize that - at the end of the day - our time here is limited.

Depressing? Absolutely not. It is freedom.

Glorious, powerful, loving freedom.

This very moment - as you read this - I give you the freedom to finally be yourself - to pursue your dreams, to love, to care, to encourage and support - to let go of the past, your worries, your jealousies, your self-hate, your doubts and your fears.

It’s about gratitude for what we have, not anger and bitterness for what we don’t. It’s about controlling what we can, and accepting what we cannot. It’s about caring and compassionate living, not wasting time with stressing, complaining and worrying - for these are not helpful, to you or anyone else.

We do not know when we’ll die. Or under what circumstances.

But until that time arrives, let’s make every second count - to release our demons and see life as the adventure - not the struggle - it is meant to be.

The old lady interviewed in the article, and many others in their advanced years - do not fear death.

They know it has a purpose.

And that purpose is to let them live.

Their way.

Author's Note: I apologize to anyone who found my title to be offensive. It was designed to get your attention and read this article to hopefully make you stop your busy life for a minute and think about what's truly important. There are many people out there with serious health issues, some of whom have been brave enough to share their story on this thread. They - more than the rest of us - are keenly aware of life's fragility, brevity and importance as a gift.  It was a few short months ago that I lost a close family member - and before that, my best friend who committed suicide. There is unspeakable sadness and an ocean of tears, but also thanks and joy - that they lived. And that they loved.  

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