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Expiration Date

 

How often do you think about death? Not just death in general, but your death? Fun conversation starter, I know. But it has struck me recently how this subject seems to elicit pure terror in many members of our society. It’s as if they are just now learning they are mortal and coming to grips with the fact that at some point, something is going to get them. And for quite a few folks, it seems their solution to escaping death is to also avoid living.

But could it be a healthy practice to spend more time considering death? Instead of avoiding death, what if we embraced it to see what it can teach us?

I know some people who actually write and rewrite their own obituary every so often. Why? Because contemplating death creates a deeper appreciation for life. It helps us cling to what really matters in this existence and works to loosen our grip on the trivial matters of the present. Musing on our own mortality produces perspective.

Even the mundane aspects of our days become sweetened when considering our own eventual demise. If for no other reason, our perspective is enhanced simply through contrast. Sunshine would not be so invigorating if we never experienced rain. Connection and community are easily taken for granted until we battle loneliness. Pleasure cannot fully be appreciated unless we experience pain. Life is sweeter when contrasted with the bitterness of death.

Try viewing your life through the lens of your own mortality and see if it does not appear just a bit more beautiful and precious. Don’t live in fear of your expiration date. Rather, live in appreciation of all the moments between now and then.   

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