Nothing Really Matters In the End

How do you want your last day on Earth to be?

When you think about it, really, nothing actually matters in the end, but the impression you leave behind. Positive or negative or even lackluster.

Our time here on this earth is finite

Every single one of us will die one day, regardless of what our beliefs are as far as any afterlife. The tricky part is that none of us know when our last day is going to be. I know this sounds blunt, maybe even cold, but let’s face it, it is true.

I am not afraid of these statements.

For whatever reason, the words comfort me and help me approach each day differently than I used to look at them. If death is not something you feel comfortable thinking about maybe you should ask yourself, why?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dwell on it. I am not overly obsessed and I am not filled with doom and gloom. There are definitely ‘Eeyores’ in the world but I am not one of them. I am, however, realistic and pragmatic.

There was a time in my life that was filled with self-reflection. I contemplated many things and always went a little deeper on the things that brought me great sadness or even fear. The more I addressed the not-so-pleasant things in my life, the less scary they became.

They lost their powerful hold over me.

There is something to be said for dissecting the awful. And, yes, death for me was one of those awful things and a concept I didn’t want to think about. We all, at some point, feel immortal. I liked that idea. And then, I realized I was lying to myself and decided to face these thoughts head-on. For me, this breaking down of the distasteful made it more palatable. It’s not that I want to die and certainly hope to have a long and healthy life.

But, I am not afraid of it, either.

When you accept that you cannot change certain facts of life, you are allowed to redirect your energies to things you can change or control.

By facing my fears, I somehow grew stronger, not more fearful. The fear lessened as I allowed myself to gain a deeper understanding. And what happened after that was nothing short of what I wish everyone could feel, see and live. I started living.

Living life to the fullest

Of course, that can be defined by different people in many different ways. I certainly didn’t change my morals or values and I live a law-abiding life. Chaos and I don’t cohabitate together well. My way of life didn’t change; my view of living did.

After recognizing that I have an end date, it made me more receptive to the knowledge that so does everyone else. Everyone. Not just those I love, and acquaintances I know, but also strangers.

Not one person is exempt from death.

Instead of this causing me inertia or even sadness, it energized me. I want to make sure that my encounter with everyone I meet is as positive as it can be.

What if it’s my last day?

What if it’s theirs? I want to leave on a happy note and even if you’re a stranger to me, I want the same for you. So, if you were wondering why I throw nice comments out to strangers and talk to everyone with kindness, this is why.

I want to leave this earth being nice and kind.

This is an extremely comforting and calm mindset. I am not quick to anger and I vow to never leave a conversation on an angry note. When I disagree with someone now, my approach is one of trying to understand their position.

Compassionate words and truly listening to someone goes a lot further, anyway than wasting your time and energy trying to force your opinion on them. Even though I will raise my voice in frustration at times, I will never verbally attack someone nor reduce them in any way. I will never be a right-fighter and I know that louder is not better. My apologies come quickly if I feel my frustration showing. I simply can’t imagine slinging cross and hateful words at anyone, for anything.

What if it’s their last day? What if it’s mine?

People should not be used, controlled, or treated with disrespect. Every time I find myself wanting to ‘fix’ something I now stop and contemplate my end goal. Will my efforts be well received and are they solicited? Is the recipient going to feel better or worse with my presentation? If there exists the slightest chance that my words may make them feel heavy-hearted in any way, I will either change my words or leave them in my head to mull over later.

This is not rocket science, this is life. My life. I have chosen to live it with love, compassion, respect, and caring. That I can control and I do, daily.

I don’t want to live or die with regrets, ever. My words will always be ones that I don’t have to worry about trying to take back or undo. I promised myself that I will not allow myself to be in a position of saying “I’m sorry” or “I wish I never acted that way” to someone who has left the earth.

So, I guess it’s not that nothing really matters. How you live your life matters and you need to be good with your choices.

Who knows if it’s my last day?

Who knows if it’s yours?

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