Skip to main content

Mortality

I read an article last week about the stages people to go through when they're coming to terms with the fact that death is imminent. The author's observed that because we tend to think dying is something that happens to other people, it almost always comes as a surprise when it happens to us - which is a shame really. If we truly understood how precious and fleeting our time on this planet was, I suspect we'd make better use of it.

Husband tells me that he often thinks about the worst that could happen - not because he's naturally depressed or pessimistic - quite the opposite, in fact - but because it helps him remember to be grateful for all the good things in his life. I'm not sure I have the right temperament to adopt that approach myself but I think he's on to something.

I'm intrigued with the notion of "death doulas", who help people navigate the dying process, and encouraged by the many stories of people who were able able to die in more meaningful and peaceful ways because assisted suicide was available to them.  Perhaps, those changes will help more of us come to terms with mortality so that we can start truly living.
The art of living well and the art of dying well are one. Epicurus
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/epicurus_148954
 "The art of living well and the art of dying well are one." - Epicurus
The art of living well and the art of dying well are one. Epicurus
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/epicurus_148954
The art of living well and the art of dying well are one. Epicurus
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/epicurus_148954
The art of living well and the art of dying well are one. Epicurus
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/epicurus_148954?src=t_dying








Comments

  1. Keith18 August 2018 at 07:36

    Exactly. I don't think of myself as a morbid person, but a certain amount of life planning to make possible the things you want, involves thinking about the end of life. And the worst isn't death. Dying is easy. So easy that millions do it accidentally every year. I think the worst is trapped in the medical system, too sick to be living, too healthy to be allowed to die.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Friendly inspiration

I couldn't sleep so got up earlier than usual, intending to write for awhile before heading to the office. Instead, I spent 45 minutes reading blogs written by several friends, each of whom is doggedly pursuing their dreams. I'm so glad I did. It's inspiring to be reminded that there are smart, talented people whose lives aren't focused on job titles, how much they make, or what they consume. I especially need that reminder as I grind my way through these last few week of full-time employment. Though my decision to retire was carefully thought-out, a small voice continues to insist I got it wrong - that I'm going to regret giving up the generous paycheck and professional identity that goes with it. The truth is I probably will miss those things. But the payoff is a lot more free time and, at this stage of my life, it's time I value most. Time to walk amongst the trees and breathe deeply. Time to be kinder to myself and others. Time to think about what matter...
3 comments
Read more

Retirement planning #2

I gave formal notice of my retirement a week or so ago. It feels good. Mostly. Other than when I'm overcome by doubt and anxiety, that is. I realized this week that I'm not worried about having too little to do. In fact, it's the opposite. I've been adding to my list of "things to do when I retire" for so long now it's become overwhelming. Even if I were to jump out of bed every morning at dawn and work 10 to 12 hours a day, it would take decades to get through the whole list. The answer, I think, is simply to set priorities, create a plan, and be gentle with myself when life intervenes, as it almost certainly will. From past experience, I know that the plan will need to include a little of this and a little of that, with plenty of white space for procrastinating and daydreaming, if I'm ever going to stick to it. So, for the first few months, I'll try to ensure every day includes at least 30-60 minutes of exercise, quality time with family ...
1 comment
Read more

The end of the road

I've been waffling about when to retire from my current job for a long time now. I kept hoping things would improve to the point I could stick it out for another year, then leave feeling I'd accomplished something worthwhile. Sadly, that's not the way things are shaping up. There have been a few positive developments in recent months and plenty of promises, but not nearly enough real action, and I've little reason to think that will change anytime soon. It might be worth sticking around for another year if I wasn't sacrificing quality time with Husband and the critters, but I am and that makes all the difference. No amount of money can buy back the time I'm losing with them.  Today, I started the leaving process by telling a trusted colleague and friend that, barring some drastic change in the next few weeks, I'll be calling it quits by year-end. I'm sure it's the right call because just saying the words out loud made me feel lighter. Now, I ...
2 comments
Read more