I have a bizarre but healthy (IMHO) fascination with death – particularly my own. I often find myself daydreaming about my final moments, and what it will feel like to exhale my last breath. For some reason, I find it comforting, like a bowl of chicken noodle soup or macaroni and cheese.
Today, I’m channeling my dying self to create a projected list of advice and anecdotes from a wiser, more weathered me. If I were on my death bed, here’s what I might offer up to younger generations:
- When you don’t think things are going your way, they are.
- Stop worrying about stuff. When you’re my age, you won’t remember most of your so-called problems. And if you do remember them, it’s with a smile.
- Money isn’t real. Don’t let it guide your actions solely.
- Do what you love. And if, along the way, you make the world a better place, all the better.
- Family and friends are important, but they come second to your Self. The relationship you have with your Self is the most important relationship you’ll ever have. And with it, you’ll never be lonely.
- Looks fade, but a glowing heart only grows brighter.
- Cry often.
- Life is too short for McDonalds.
- Nothing real dies.
- Neither the past nor the future are real. This is it.
- Never take a job you don’t enjoy.
- Love everyone, especially the people you don’t like.
- See yourself in everyone, especially the people you don’t like.
And that was it; as quickly as it started, it was over. There were no fireworks or marching bands. The Earth kept spinning, the sun kept shining and life went on without me.
August 28, 2009 at 11:45 am
The past is no more, the present is, and the future is not yet.
)
August 28, 2009 at 11:52 am
words of wisdom people! take it from me, someone who almost killed himself. The moment before you die or, in my case, the moment you are dying everything comes into perspective.
All your problems just fade away and you realize how stupid they are and how you just need to love and live the way that you were intended to. Always go with your gut (unless its telling you to do something extremely stupid). Live. Laugh. Love. No matter what.
Luckly I was saved, but many people aren’t saved. And don’t take that risk. You might not live to make it right. Realize it now while you are living. And have a chance to make it right.
Davey you are an inspiration
August 28, 2009 at 11:59 am
Never. Oh, never. Nothing will die. The stream flows, the wind blows, the cloud fleets, the heart beats. Nothing will die.
-Elephant Man
August 28, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Oooh. #8…
Thems fightin’ words. There’s always room for McDonald’s. It’s after my daily 4am run, and just before I check my emails…
Hahaha.
August 28, 2009 at 12:13 pm
LOL!! WOW!! One of the best posts I’ve ever read!!!
August 28, 2009 at 12:48 pm
BRILLIANT. I just love the way Davey enligts every moment of my day. I too think what it’d be like to die; I wonder how I will go, car crash, shot, health, old age? There are no end of possibilities! I think every1 should make a list, which they either wish to complete before they die – or like Davey – which you wish to pass on to further generations. Thanks once again davey for making me smile, but I have to go study; GCSE’s all next year!
Love and Peace
Jack
August 28, 2009 at 1:08 pm
it is so good
davey…i love this post
August 28, 2009 at 3:35 pm
So much for staying in the present….sorry for your loss.
August 28, 2009 at 3:45 pm
This is GREAT!!
It is wonderful exercise to give yourself advice from your older self. You know exactly what you would say to yourself and you can start applying it now instead of waiting.
Think about what a HUGE impact this would make on your life if you really put these into action.
I think my older self would also say, “Make sure you live for today, not tomorrow or stuck in yesterday.”
August 28, 2009 at 4:23 pm
that was really amazing.
August 28, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Heya Davey,
I actually don’t agree with 11. Don’t take a job you don’t like. Some things we don’t like help us to grow, sometimes we don’t know it at the time but it helps us learn about ourselves and the world around us. I have had several jobs that I hated at the time (none for very long!) but now with the benefit of hindsight they helped me to learn about myself and why I hated them. I say let the chips fall where they may, take the job and learn from it. Just don’t stay there past its best-before date.
Employment is an important part of all our lives, not for the money (I agree with pt 3.) but for the need to live, for the need to be a part of something and to contribute to the community around us. Employment is like any other relationship we have.
So employment is like any other relationship, sometimes we need to learn the hard way.
Cheers!
btw I am currently a cubicle farmer and recently put this up at work: http://xkcd.com/308/ I won’t be there much longer, I have found my adventure and it is just around the corner.
August 28, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Funny thing, read my horoscope in the newspaper today, and you know what it said?
“You’ve neglected a friend who deserves more. This friend is yourself.”
Coincidence? I think… not? or could it be?
August 29, 2009 at 2:22 am
This post gave me chills. It was so nice of you to post this and I love it. Very wise words.
August 29, 2009 at 4:39 am
Hey Davey!, I just want to take a moment to say that for the past year and a half or so I have been reading your blog, and its absolutely fascinating<>lol>>>in regards to my last moments that is>>which i am positive is not for a while. its good to know that I am not the only one. i recently have set up my new blog which im pretty proud of myself! Just my daily ponderings really…lol
Hope you have a great weekend!
August 29, 2009 at 6:29 am
s**t but wow at the same time
August 29, 2009 at 8:07 am
Another good post from our buddy Davey. Life is filled with precious moments and with precious friends.. Sorry, this may be old but lets stop the hate.
August 29, 2009 at 8:07 am
You need to tell me how to do #12.
August 29, 2009 at 9:24 am
Charley – it is very easy. Love yourself first, then love your family/friends, and then for the people you really don’t care for – love them for giving you an example of how not to live your life. (Ex. If they are negative people, love them for giving you a reason to remain positive in life; If they talk about people all the time behind their backs, love them for showing how not to be a friend like that….) I hope this may help you.
ERIC
August 29, 2009 at 9:19 am
Hey Davey – One of the TRUEST explainations for living I have ever read. Although we do not know each other in person, we share alot of the same ideals for living, loving, and laughter. Peace Out !!!
ERIC
August 29, 2009 at 10:50 am
Can you believe I’m watching CNN’s coverage of
Ted Kennedy’s final goodbye and I think of you. The messages being sent are so you. Be blessed Bro’
August 29, 2009 at 8:30 pm
I want to die like I was born, kicking and screaming, covered in someone elses blood, and with tons of witnesses.
August 30, 2009 at 12:51 am
Excellent advice!
August 30, 2009 at 12:52 am
That’s such great advice!
September 1, 2009 at 7:19 am
My advise would be:
The good you do doesn’t compensate for the hurt you cause. Be careful, be mindful, be loving, do no harm. But on those occasion when we may fall short, forgive yourself, do whatever is necessary to avoid doing it again, and pray for healing for those you may have hurt. Then, move on and live.