Death, an inevitable part of life, is often shrouded in fear and avoidance. Yet, contemplating our mortality can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and clarity. It forces us to evaluate what truly matters, sharpening our focus on desires and dreams that often get buried beneath the day-to-day grind.
When we think about death, we are prompted to ask ourselves essential questions: What are my deepest desires? What dreams have I been postponing? Reflecting on these questions helps peel back layers of superficiality, revealing the core of our aspirations. This process of introspection brings our true passions and desires into the light and highlights the limited time to pursue them.
"Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it." -Haruki Murakami
No matter how small, taking action becomes a daily practice of commitment toward fulfilling these desires. Whether it is writing a single page of a novel, taking a step towards a new career, or simply spending more time with loved ones, each act is a stone laid on the path toward a more purposeful existence. These small actions accumulate, building momentum and gradually transforming our lives in ways we might never have imagined had we not faced the reality of our mortality.
As we contemplate death, we learn to live with a heightened sense of urgency and appreciation. This perspective can radically alter our choices and actions, propelling us towards a life that reflects our truest selves and deepest desires. So, let's challenge ourselves to consider our mortality not as a shadow looming over us, but as a motivational force that inspires our moments with this contemplation.
Writing your obituary is a powerful exercise to harness the clarity that comes from contemplating death. This might sound morbid at first, but it's a profound tool for understanding what you truly value and what you hope to achieve in your lifetime.
Reflect on Achievements: Begin by reflecting on your life as it is now. List your achievements and your roles—be it in your career, family, community, or personal hobbies.
Envision Future Accomplishments: Think about the life you wish to lead. What achievements do you want to be remembered for? Consider not just career milestones but also personal achievements, relationships you want to nurture, and the kind of influence you wish to have on others.
Describe Your Legacy: How do you want people to remember you? Beyond professional success, think about the personal qualities you want to be known for, such as kindness, creativity, dedication, humor, or courage.
Write in the Past Tense: Craft your obituary in the past tense, as if these things have already been accomplished. This helps you vividly imagine a future where you've lived according to your deepest values and aspirations.
Review and Reflect: After writing, take a step back and read your obituary. Does it reflect the life you genuinely aspire to? Are there areas of your life that feel unaddressed or goals that seem unfulfilled?
Set Goals Based on Insights: Use the insights gained from this exercise to set concrete goals. Break these goals into actionable steps that you can start working on immediately, no matter how small. This approach turns the abstract exercise of writing your obituary into a practical roadmap for your daily life.
This exercise is not just about facing mortality but crafting a life that, when looked back upon, feels full and genuinely representative of who you aspire to be. It's a reminder to focus on what's important, reduce regrets, and ensure that your daily actions align with your long-term desires. It can be a surprisingly uplifting and inspiring experience that propels you to take charge of your life and live each day with purpose and joy.
Suggestion: Do this once a year on the same date!
"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." -Marcus Aurelius