We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.~ American Indian Proverb
This post is on death. Why have I chosen to talk of death? It’s just that over the last month, two people I’m close to have lost a parent. I observed that even though there was the obvious sorrow from the loss, both people also felt a great deal of pride about the choices their respective parents made – in life and in death. Their parents will be known by the tracks they’ve left, especially in the hearts of the ones closest to them.
I began to think about my own death. And wondered how I was preparing for it. If I were to die tomorrow what are the tracks I would leave? Are these the tracks I want to leave – or are there things in my person and life I want to change?
Years ago, I came across an exercise, I can’t quite remember where. It involved preparing your own obituary. Does that seem morbid to you? I don’t think it is.
The exercise provided an opportunity to honestly reflect on my life and figure out what I wanted to ‘be’ ( person) and what I want to ‘do’ (accomplishments) by the end of my life. In stating how I wanted to be remembered, I was able to identify the values I wanted to live by. (On a lighter note, my Mum found my ‘obituary’ and got really worried that I was suicidal!!)
A lot has changed since I wrote that first obituary. For example, I’ve got married and have stopped being a working woman. So, I have now decided to rework it and I promise to share it with you sometime.
As we know death is inevitable – and we cannot really make a choice about how we want to die – unless we take our own lives. But I’m certain that just as we can make our lives count for something, we can also make our death a meaningful experience for others.
Think about the tracks you’ll be leaving.
May you be inspired – everyday!
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This post and my questions are all tied together. My questions stemmed from situations with local youth. I figured out, after experiencing a wide range of emotions that the way to address the situation is with programs to occupy the kids so they don't get into trouble and have positive guidance and constructive things to do. I used to work with youth in this capacity but stopped when we moved here as there were no programs, perhaps I will see if I can initiate something as the negative situation has led to that conclusion/motivation. Thanks for your post helping me to work through all this
A very different topic dear friend and a tough one at that too:)my own obituary?cannot even begin to imagine it for, try as I might its tough to write about it since I cant visualize it..but I def will try:)LOL @ your mom thinking you were suicidal..you must have given her a few gray hair:))read the list of topics you will be writing about :)DO write about cynicism too(or have you already and I have missed it?)I fear I am getting too cynical these days..about people in general..only close loved ones family, friends n PM can make me smile….is this just how times are today?or is it just the more mature me taking baby steps and finally learning to say no to people without feeling guilty and being able to see them more clearly?I dont know.. I cannot turn cynical:) just cannot.., cannot afford to..I will lose the 'me' I love , the one who enjoys life to the fullest…so trying to keep away from cynical people in life, the ones who pull anoeehr down…but then again some cynics tell me I made them smile:) ummm its become a rant..but you will understand I know:)(((((((((((hugs))))))))))much love:)