Even if one lives to 100 years in perfect health of mind and body, we as humans would still consider that our life span to be too short to accomplish the many things we want in life. Therefore, given the uncertainties and vagaries associated with life and living, one should really take time to reflect on how one wants to live so as to feel fulfilled with little regrets.
One should live life perhaps in a manner that avoids these sample epitaphs:
HERE LIES MR. JACK, HE NEVER HAD THE COURAGE TO LIVE HIS LIFE TRUE TO HIMSELF. HE LIVED LIFE ALWAYS MINDFUL OF WHAT OTHERS EXPECTED OF HIM.
Set your goals in life and go for it. Try to fulfill your own dreams, not those of others for you.
HERE LIES MR. DUDE, ALWAYS VACILLATING ON WHAT TO DO OR WHICH CHOICE TO MAKE. SO LIFE PASSED HIM BY.
Our life is shaped by the choices we make or don’t make. Be decisive. Don’t just drift through life.
HERE LIES MR. SIMPLE, HE DID NOT PUT A PREIMIUM ON HIMSELF.
It is very important to value yourself and put a high premium on yourself. In doing so, you take your physical and mental health seriously. Good state of health of the body, mind and spirit is taken for granted until one no longer has it. The adage that “Health is Wealth” in my considered opinion is an understatement; health is all, because without heath life has no meaning.
HERE LIES MR. WORKAHOLIC, HIS WORK WAS HIS LIFE. HE DIED LONLEY AND ALONE.
People work so hard they do not have time for their family or friends. They miss out on the relationships that give meaning to life – A partner’s constant companionship, the various stages of their children’s lives are moments that gives life its bountiful joy.
Money is important, but the pursuit of it must never be at the expense of life’s true joys.
HERE LIES MR. STIFF, HE BOTTLED UP EVERYTHING WITHIN HIMSELF, AND WAS QUITE UNHAPPY.
We should have the courage to express our feelings and not keep them bottled up in order not to rock some boat. Pent up feeling of resentment and hurt are not good for one’s health.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, it is important to be honest with people you relate with – in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level.
HERE LIES MR. ALOOF, SO INTO HIMSELF, HE HAD NO FRIENDS.
No man is an island. It is important to not be so engrossed with yourself that you have no time for others. Give family and friendships the time and effort that they deserve. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip, but life is really about love and relationships.
HERE LIES MR. WRETCHED, A MISERABLE OLD GOAT.
“With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.” – Desiderata.
Happiness is a choice.
Don’t be enslaved by old patterns and habits. Jettison your ‘comfort zones’ of familiarity and explore new horizons. Do not let fear of change keep you from delving into new things. Let go, laugh heartily, love deeply and see and enjoy the funny side of life.