If Humans Had Expiration Dates, Would We Live Differently?
If you knew the exact day that you were going to die, how would you deal with that information?
I think about dying everyday, it is one of the blessings and curses of my chosen profession. Being a funeral director has added an interesting perspective to my life and overall I look at this point of view as a blessing. But like anyone else, there are times when I forget all the lessons that come with this perspective. I can easily get caught up with life’s fast pace and miss out on the purpose of why I am here. For me, that purpose is simple, love one another and enjoy life.
So, what would you do if you knew the date of your death? How would your relationships with your family and friends be affected? Would you start a bucket list? Enroll in yoga? Eat more twinkies?
Do you think it would raise your self-awareness about the value of each moment or would it lead you into depression or panic?
Here’s the good news: none of us know when this day will come and having anxiety over it doesn’t help anyone. But just because we don’t know when that day will come doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t set aside time to think about it.
I want to dare you to think about your death day.
Take a deep breath, I’m asking you to do this because I believe there are more benefits in thinking about it then you know.
Try this, the next time you wake up say to yourself, “This is it, my last day on earth – what should this day be like?” – I know you still have to go about your daily routine but how would that mindset change the day-to-day? If it was your last day at work or last meal with your family how would you want to walk out?
Here are the options as I see them, we can leave:
- Thankful or full of regret
- Happy or sad
- Open minded or closed off
- Mentor or captor
- In the Present or in the Past
- Courageous or Fearful
Our avoidance of death or even thinking about death is a unique trait to western society and it’s something I’m passionate about changing. If you look at most other cultures, death is understood and embraced as something to face and consider. We are missing great opportunities to live more fulfilling lives unless we take time to confront our own mortality and consider what legacy we want to leave behind. My encouragement to you is to stop living in fear or avoidance of dying, look at it in the eyes, know that you will meet someday and LIVE accordingly.
So, what would you do if you knew your death date?
*Neil will be speaking TOMORROW, Thursday, August 22nd in the evening at O’Connor Mortuary about what it looks like to plan out the legacy you want to leave behind. He will be joined by financial expert, Robert Trommler of Cooke Wealth Management. This is a one-of-a kind event that we don’t want you to miss.
Please join us for this free informational evening – all you have to do is show up! To learn more, click here.
49 Comments
Neil,
I wish I knew what my true reaction would be. I would like to believe I would be
comfortable with the news. I’ve dealt with a great amount of death in my lifetime, and am able to keep a positive outlook on life. My hope would be that because I knew the exact date, I could find peace and comfort. There wouldn’t be a mystery as to when will the inevitable happen? I would be deeply saddened for my loved ones. With knowing first hand what it feels like to loose someone dear to your heart. But given one day or a specific date, I would try my best to put forth the effort to tell/show the people I care about how much I care about them. I’m not sure I would do anything different personally; I would just want to make sure my loved ones were taken care of to the best of my ability. I try my best to live life without regrets and there is a lot left on my bucket list to do. But I feel accomplished for my age, and feel as though I have lived a blessed life. This is what I would like to think I would do if I were presented with my death day. Thanks for the post; this one really has me thinking.
Hi Erin –
Thank you for your reply! From the day I met you, I had a feeling you live your life to the fullest! You have such a positive spirit, i always enjoy being in your company. You have a full life ahead of you, I cannot wait to see how this journey will continue for you. I am deeply grateful to be in your life.
I have always said to those who have asked me, “What do I get from my profession?” that the greatest gift received is the acute awareness that death can and will occur at any time to anyone. I balance that out by living daily with a deep appreciation for life. If I knew my “Return To Sender” date, I would continue to live working hard at being a better man, husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend. I would also like to catch some awesome surf before the package goes in the mail!
HI Chris –
Thank you for you reply! I love your quotes!! I see you on a daily basis care with compassion and strive to improve on any area that needs some love. I always enjoy your positive attitude and great smile, you have been a great role model and friend to me, I am grateful to be in your life! Your death will be like catching a 100 foot wave, exciting and adventures, who knows how the ride will end?
Neil,
I definitely don’t want to know my expiration date. I try to live every day in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self control. I don’t always succeed, but that’s my mantra. I hope that in some way, I am spreading that philosophy to those around me. I know this is only part of the journey, and that it’s numbered for us all, so I set my feet firmly in my faith to carry me on to the next life. But for now, I can’t imagine leaving those that I love and adore.
“Dying would be and an awfully big adventure.” Peter Pan
Love you my friend!!
Kari
Hi Kari
Thank you for your reply! I always enjoy being in your company, your smile and positive attitude are very up-lifting. Hopefully you can teach me about self control, you know me, Im out of control most the time. Dying will be the greatest adventure. I love you too my friend!XOXO
WOW! This is the greatest blog so far! Since I began my “new” life 3 years ago, I have made it a point to live like there’s no tomorrow. I have done so many of the things that I wanted to do but was afraid to because of the consequences I would face in my marriage. The old me would stay home, clean house & do chores- it was expected of me & I was supposed to take pride in only that. The new me has days & nights that are so full of fun, activities & helping others that my home isn’t as tidy as it used to be- & I’m OK with that. Thank you for posing this important question, it is something we all need to think about so we can gain perspective on how we arrange our daily lives. Well done! Love, Carrie
Hi Carrie –
Thank you for your reply! I am so thrilled that you are living a life worth living. I have seen the new joy that you have in your life over the last few years. Life is meant to be an adventure, full of joy & love! Anyone can have a clean house, yet sometimes people forget that life is meant to be lived. I am proud of you and how you have overcome so many challenges, I have always believed in you. I am proud to be your friend, XO!
Thank you for the reminder to keep things in perspective. What is important & what isn’t.
People are important not things. So we need to support & enjoy each other. I would love to see more of the world we live in. But sorry, yoga is not on my bucket list. Thanks Neil.
Hi Mitch –
Thank you for your reply! I see you living life with love and support of those around you. Yoga is not a bucket list item, it is a way of life! I am sorry I will not be able to take you down on the volleyball court, next year your going down!