EMBRACING THE INEVITABLE

• "From Darkness to Light: The Strength Found in Accepting Life's Finality"
• "While Life is suppose to be lived, we spend most of it, planning to live it" - Mo Gawdat
• "Tears will only water our growth" - William Shakespeare

Life and death are the most fundamental and inevitable aspects of our existence. From the moment we are born, we begin a journey that will ultimately lead to our end. This cycle of life and death is a natural process, yet it is often met with resistance and denial, especially when we face the loss of someone dear to us. Doubt? Let's ride along.

Life is a beautiful, complex journey filled with moments of joy, sorrow, growth, and learning. It is a series of experiences that shape who we are and how we see the world. Death, on the other hand, is the final chapter of this journey. It is the inevitable conclusion that awaits us all. While life is about growth and experiences, death reminds us of the finite nature of our existence. Understanding that life and death are two sides of the same coin helps us appreciate the preciousness of each moment. It urges us to live fully, love deeply, and cherish the time we have. At the same time, it prepares us to face the end with a sense of acceptance rather than fear.

Death is inevitable, we often forget this. It is a truth that we cannot escape, no matter how much we wish otherwise. This inevitability is often difficult to accept, leading us into the denial phase when confronted with loss. We wish for things we do not have and cannot change, clinging to the hope that somehow, things could be different. However, wishing for the impossible only prolongs our suffering and hinders our ability to heal.

The denial phase is a natural initial response to grief. It’s our mind’s way of protecting us from the overwhelming reality of loss. However, to truly heal, we must move beyond denial and face the pain head-on. It is in this phase that we often find ourselves caught, unable to accept the harsh truths of life and death. But healing begins when we start to forgive ourselves. We often harbor guilt and blame, questioning what we could have done differently. This self-inflicted torment only prolongs our suffering. We must recognize that death is inevitable and beyond our control. It is not our fault, and it’s okay to feel pain and sorrow. By forgiving ourselves, we open the door to healing, allowing us to process our grief and begin to move forward. Remember to focus on what you can control.

Healing is not a linear process. It’s a journey that takes time, patience, and strength. In the face of death, we must find the strength to be the pillar for others. We must be the 'strongest person in the room' - Jordan Peterson once said, the one who others can lean on in times of sadness. This does not mean we do not grieve; it means we embrace our role as a source of support and comfort for those around us. Being strong in the face of death means acknowledging our own pain while also being present for others. It’s about finding a balance between our own healing and being there for those who need us. It’s about showing that even in the darkest times, there is hope, and that together, we can find a way through the sorrow.

This strength is not about suppressing our emotions but about embracing them and using our experiences to support others. It’s about being a guiding light, showing that while the pain of loss is profound, it is not insurmountable.

Finally, the death of the denial phase is a crucial step in the journey of healing. By accepting the inevitability of life and death, forgiving ourselves, and being a beacon of strength for others, we can navigate through grief and find a path to healing. Life and death are intertwined, and it is through understanding and accepting this reality that we can truly heal and support one another. We cannot change the inevitability of death, nor can we wish for things we do not have. But we can choose to live fully, to love deeply, and to support each other through the most challenging times. In doing so, we honor the cycle of life and death, and we find the strength to move forward, together.