When first diagnosed with cancer you are bombarded with emotions. One of the most prevalent themes is death. First you are given the news that you have a disease that is trying to kill you. Then you are given all the potential complications of your treatment. Next you have to give your doctors and family instructions on how to proceed in medical emergencies, like do not resusitate orders. Finally you have to create a power of attorney and personal will. It is one overwhelming experience.
The odd thing is, throughout the whole process I never become consumed by the thought of death. Sure I was afraid, but who wouldn't be. I took the attitude that death was something I had no control over. I would follow all of my doctor's orders, be as careful as I could, and the rest was up to God.
The night after I signed all my documents, I was reflecting and I asked myself a question that fundamentally shifted the way I thought going forward. It was so profound that it has now become a key philosophy in how I plan to live.
While sitting in my bed I asked myself the question "if I was to die tonight would I be happy with my life?" After some contemplation I found myself answering no. There was still so much more I wanted to do. From that point on I vowed to myself that I would not be lying on my deathbed with any regrets towards my life.
The quote at the top of this post sums this up perfectly. We should not be afraid of dying but rather dying unprepared. For each person this “unprepared” will have different meaning.
Don’t wait until you have a serious illness or injury that makes you contemplate your life. Start now! Learn from us that have had the unfortunate experience of being forced to contemplate it. Take a few minutes to yourself tonight and ask youself the question:
If you were to die tonight, would you be happy with your life? If you don’t like the answer, start making positive changes.
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Aaron, excellent blog.
ReplyDeleteAaron, this is one of your best and I has motivated me to make a date with myself tonite to ask the question.... thank you for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteAO ..
ReplyDeleteLike, this post is phenomenal. I love it. Encouraging people to take control of their lives, to create their happiness ..to make positive changes .. it's the kind of thing that needs to be shared again and again.
You're awesome.
...if I died tonight, would I be happy with my life? The answer is a resounding YES, because I would leave behind you, the wonderful man that you have become and know that I had a part in all of this, as I reared you on your way to becoming who you are. I would die knowing that the world is a better place because of my three wonderful children. Who could ask for a better life than that?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thanks for making all of us stop and think,
Love you Mom
My approach has always been - I'm planning to die when I'm 92, so I'll think about it then. Lot's of time, right? You are helping me actually think about how I want to live my life - now - and thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, positive and inspirational blog. Thank you Aaron.
ReplyDeleteSulekkha,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I hope you join either the Rss or email and continue to follow the blog :)
I checked out yours btw. wonderful writing and I can't wait for your next post.
aaron