| Close your eyes for a minute and think about the | | | | "Am I ok with the fact that I'm going to die?" |
| fact that one day you are going to die. Does that | | | | "What does this mean to me?" |
| make you a little uncomfortable? If it does then | | | | "Why am I dying?" |
| you're certainly not alone. For most of us living in | | | | "If I died today would I be happy with how I've lived |
| modern society, our own mortality is a subject that | | | | my life?" |
| is rarely discussed. Thoughts of our own inevitable | | | | There are a million different questions you could ask. |
| death are easily brushed aside. | | | | Only you can choose the questions relevant to your |
| "I'm too busy living to worry about that now." | | | | own life. And only you can provide the answers. |
| "What's the point in worrying about it? I can't change | | | | So ask yourself these questions. You may not have |
| anything." | | | | answers just yet, but keep asking and considering |
| Generally though, these are lies we tell ourselves to | | | | the question until you are at peace with your own |
| protect us from our fear of the unknown. And while | | | | mortality. Peace of mind is essential for a happy |
| these lies may appear to work on the surface, deep | | | | fulfilling life. |
| within your subconscious they just build on that fear. | | | | Now, once you're at that stage, you'll find there's a |
| Well, enough is enough! It's time to stop lying to | | | | second thing that you must do before you die. |
| yourself. There is great freedom to be gained by | | | | Thankfully though, the fact that you're comfortable |
| considering and accepting your own mortality. | | | | with your life and imminent death will make this |
| Life has a way of making you think about it | | | | second part really easy. |
| eventually, whether through the death or illness of a | | | | You must now live your life to the fullest. |
| friend, family member or loved one, or perhaps | | | | I can't tell you how to do that, but once again you |
| through your own life being placed in danger. So why | | | | can find the answer through questioning your |
| wait till the last minute when emotions are high and | | | | subconscious. |
| the fear is intense. Take the time to consider your | | | | "What can I do right now to live a fulfilling life?" |
| mortality now, and come to terms with it. | | | | "What do I want to do now, more than anything |
| If you're still not sure then consider this- how do you | | | | else?" |
| react to any other potential interruption to your life? | | | | "How can I contribute to the world?" |
| If you were faced with a potential retrenchment, for | | | | There is so much life to be lived. Get out there and |
| example, how would you react? Most likely you | | | | enjoy yourself. Time is ticking by. Don't put off living |
| would not just hope the problem goes away, but | | | | till tomorrow, when circumstances may be better. |
| would rather take the time to consider what exactly | | | | Tomorrow never comes. Live now. |
| this situation means to your life. How will this affect | | | | Skydive, travel, volunteer your time to a charity, |
| you and your loved ones, and your lifestyle? What | | | | watch the sunrise and sunset, grow a prize winning |
| options do you have, and what path will you choose | | | | garden, learn to fly, learn to scuba dive, meditate, |
| to minimise any negative impact and maximise any | | | | paint, sing, or play an instrument. |
| gain in your life? | | | | The world is yours. This life is yours. Get out there |
| And yet do we do this when faced with the most | | | | and live it! Now! |
| inevitable change of our life, our own death? No! We | | | | Before it's too late, make these two things a priority |
| ignore it and hope the issue goes away. | | | | in your life: |
| Well, no more! Considering and coming to terms with | | | | 1. Consider and accept your mortality. |
| the meaning of your life, and your death, is essential | | | | 2. And live your life to its fullest potential. |
| for your peace of mind and your happiness. | | | | Lance Beggs |
| So if you really want to live, then you need to ask | | | | Copyright 2005 Lance Beggs. All Rights Reserved. |
| yourself some questions: | | | | |