Motivating Matters

     The topic of death is one that can be difficult to talk about. Most people feel anxiety and fear thinking about their life here on Earth ending. Why does it have to be this way? Is it because they have such a great life and don’t want to let it go? Or could it be that they don’t know what happens after they die?

    Death is the only thing that is certain in life. We all have dreams for our future, and bucket lists of things we want to do, but none of these things are certain. It is important to talk about death earlier rather than later because when we become aware of the certainty of death, our perspective on life changes. We can begin to live everyday to the fullest. It can help us to let go of our anxiety and stress knowing that nothing is worth worrying about. The more time we spend regretting the past and fearing the future, the less time we have to live in the present.

You might be wondering what I mean when I say to talk about death. I don’t necessarily mean planning your funeral, writing your obituary and will, and making sure you have beneficiaries in place. All of these things are important legal steps that must be done and should not be put off. Waiting too long and having to do them in a short period of time can be stressful, and take away from your time to spend doing other things.

What I’m talking about is an acceptance of our inevitable end. An acceptance that tomorrow is not guaranteed so spend some time today expressing your love for the people in your life that support you. If you woke up this morning you are blessed and should be grateful for another opportunity to make a change. Death is nothing that should be feared. It is in death that new life is created.

Regardless of your religious affiliation or view on what happens after death, we can all find comfort in this concept of new life. Life is infinite. This can be found in the example that when we die we decompose and become fertile soil for new life in the form of plants. Also, in the spiritual sense of an afterlife where our soul is at rest in heaven. No matter what, life continues after we die and we have to embrace it.

You might be thinking if we’re going to die anyways, why should I put effort into anything or try to be a good person? Well, what we do during our time on Earth can make a difference in other people’s lives. If we have a big enough impact, it can even live on after we die. Leaving a legacy is another instance that proves life is eternal. That’s why it’s important that we give it our all in everything we do because that example can impact future generations to do the same. Without us even noticing, our daily acts of kindness influence others, which in turn causes a chain reaction making the world a better place.

I challenge you to talk to a friend or family member about death in the coming days. It might be awkward and difficult at first, but I guarantee that it will spark deeper conversation and bring you closer to one another.