We are born, we experience and then we die. There are a lot of emotions when we are born (joy, anticipation, pride, throw in some fear but not too much). All of these emotions are experienced by those around us. We, the newborn, are busy adjusting to this new way of living.
There are a lot of emotions when we are dying (frustration, regret, sadness, and again fear, but more fear than when we arrived). During the days, hours and minutes preceding death, again the activity is centered on others. We are busy assessing our lives and how we spent our time here living.
The space between birth and death is the most important part of life YET we somehow go through the living part unaware. In a hurry, with a great deal of tension, and very little appreciation, joy, and connection.
When we are told death is coming sooner rather than later, we often still miss the opportunity to appreciate living. We concentrate on keeping the body breathing, but at the expense of living, enjoying, and participating.
Knowing that our life is approaching its end is an opportunity to assess and appreciate the life we have had. An opportunity to address relationships and personhood issues, to “put our affairs in order.”
Working with end of life issues all these years has probably given me a broader perspective on life than most. To help me stay in touch with what is important in living, I ask myself these questions each night — a day assessment you might call it. What did I do today that I traded a day of my life for? Did I find joy? Did I see beauty? Did I do something that gave me a sense of satisfaction?
There are other questions you can ask yourself at bedtime, these are just mine. A day review, a day assessment can keep us on track to making the most of our gift of life.
Something More… about How Are You Spending This Gift of Life?
If you have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness, A Time to Live: Living With a Life Threatening Illness will help you make the most of this gift of time.
