A Morbid Thought

As I was driving home through a small community of houses, I spotted an old woman walking toward her mailbox. She was moving very slowly, her body dripping with wrinkles and her head wrapped in a rag. Watching her move down her driveway so vulnerably, I couldn't help but feel sympathy toward her because I figured she is in the final years of her life.

Then, as I thought more, who is to say that she won't live more years than I will? As I'm driving along, watching old people along the road, apparently, I could easily drive off the road and crash into a tree, and my life would be over. Death can come to anyone at any time, and that idea is a fear that many people think about day after day. But death is inevitable; no one can escape it. So why fear it? An article from dealing with fear.org, though extremely spiritual in nature, greatly describes a few ways in which people can better come to cope with the idea of death, rather than be afraid of it.

First, the article suggests planning for death as a way of coming to terms with it. Wearing a seat belt while driving can be a way to rid the sense of danger, the possibility of death, while on the road. While there's nothing that can be done about the how the other drivers conduct themselves, at least the person wearing a seat belt is trying to hold avoid death as long as possible.

Additionally, living life without regrets and avoiding the idea that life is meaningless can also be helpful. Live life wisely, and leave an imprint on the world of positive actions. Instead of being afraid of death when the time comes, the article advises to "feel like a child returning to the home of its parents, and pass away joyfully, without fear."

It is an extremely touchy and emotional subject, but it is one that every person should consider in his or her life. Though it's not something to dwell on, being prepared is a way to grasp the ordained which cannot be escaped. For now, focus on the life you are given and make it worth the experience.