Member-only story
30-DAY WRITING CHALLENGE / 4 SEPTEMBER 2022
How Death Teaches Us To Live
And gain clarity of choice
It amazes me that it takes dying to learn to live.
A line from Bette Midler’s famous hit song, The Rose, pops into my mind:
“And the soul, afraid of dying
That never learns to live.”
Back in 2009, when I had my ABI (Aquired Brain Injury) surgery, I did not know if I would live or die. Doctors are required to give you all the warnings concerning the surgery, and death was on the list. Strangely, I was at peace, regardless of the outcome. My own faith served me well during that time.
I have come to really appreciate living my life with value. Each day presents another 24 hours to use as I wish. Facing that surgery made me so much more aware of how finite life is.
In the years following, I have found myself choosing to be more productive with my time. Writing the words that need to get out. Painting the pictures I need to capture before I am not able to do that anymore. Most importantly, not being mindful or really caring what others think of me.
I will probably die a people-pleaser, but that is on me. I choose instead to quietly enjoy what I enjoy, produce what I need to produce…
