So many people forget that death is a part of life, not something that just happens to life.
Most of our lives are spent refusing to acknowledge that someday, we will not be alive. The occasional funeral or sudden brush with death reminds us of our impermanence. It is in those moments that we look back over our lives remembering the good and fun moments – those precious moments that made life worth living. We also reflect on our regrets, the things we haven’t got round to doing, the time we have wasted. Why is something so inevitable not often thought of?
We can only hope that when death comes to call, we are prepared to deal with it. The death of my father helped me realise the importance of creating something to ‘give back’ to your loved ones.
The magical, precious moments I have shared with family and friends over the years are like a private vault of memories that always raise a smile. The times spent relaxing, living and loving are priceless. So much can be experienced in just one lifetime – misunderstandings, missed opportunities, joy, love, disappointment, fun, laughter and so much more. It is so important to make good memories where we can. Collectively, they create the tapestry of your life…
This is why it is so important to enjoy every moment fully. To tell people how much you care for them. To let people, know how much they inspired you, or acknowledge what they did that made your heart glow. Even if it feels uncomfortable, take a deep breath, and go for it. Perhaps there are some surprises or stories you would like to share. Too often there are things left unsaid during a lifetime. How many conversations have you left unsaid? Will you ever be able to have those conversations?
Who are the people you would like to tell your story to? What version of your life would you like to explain? We go on living our lives with the best intentions, not realising that oftentimes our intentions have been misunderstood. What clarification would you like to give someone?
Most ‘ordinary’ people’s lives don’t matter to the masses, for the odd few there will be a TV or radio announcement of our demise but most of us will only have an obituary. Mindful of the uncertainty of how much time we have left causes me to be a little more diligent about leaving a ‘legacy’ – a parting gift of love and comforting thoughts for the people who made my life worth living.
What about the people we love when we are no longer here? Grief brings so much pain, it can be with us for a long time when we have lost someone special, especially at certain times of the year – birthdays, Christmas etc.
Wouldn’t it be lovely to still sing Happy Birthday to those you have lost on their birthdays? It would bring such comfort. Wouldn’t it be lovely to leave a recorded message for those you leave behind so they can hear your voice again?
Ask yourself ‘How would I like to be remembered’? and make an effort to achieve that.
Article by Chandra Hawkins
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