By Olayinka Madamidola
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December 19, 2024
Today is the Right Time to Die: Embracing Death as a Natural Process Life, with all its highs and lows, is a beautifully woven tapestry of experiences. We laugh and cry, give and receive, rise and fall. Together, we share this collective journey, facing life’s joys and sorrows, and in the end, we all face the inevitable: death. But what if we viewed death not as a fearful end but as a natural, essential part of life? What if we saw it as an opportunity to cherish what was, so we can more fully embrace what is? The Journey Through Life Across humanity, we have shared in the abundance of life: laughter, tears, friendships, forgiveness, and growth. We’ve known the thrill of success and the pain of failure, experienced hunger and satisfaction, and offered comfort to those in need while finding solace in others. We have travelled the world, stood in awe of nature’s beauty, and explored the vastness of both the physical and emotional landscapes of life. Our collective experiences are proof that we have lived deeply. Life, in its fullness, offers us all these moments—beautiful, messy, painful, and joyous. And through this shared journey, death is not an interruption; it is a transition. Death as a Natural Process We often fear death because it feels like a loss, a rupture in the continuity of our lives. But what if we changed our perspective? What if we viewed death as a natural progression rather than a tragic conclusion? Just as birth is a beginning, death is a natural ending, a continuation of life’s eternal cycle. When we normalize death, we remove its power to intimidate. We see it not as something to be avoided, but as a reminder to live fully. Accepting death doesn’t diminish life; it enhances it. Knowing that our time is finite encourages us to live deeply, to appreciate the present, and to treasure every experience. Finding Life Through Loss Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most painful experiences we face, yet it also presents a profound opportunity for healing and reflection. Rather than being consumed by grief, we can choose to honor their memory by reflecting on the richness of their life—the moments of laughter, the lessons learned, the times shared. Each memory becomes a thread in the tapestry of their legacy, reminding us of the beauty and depth of their existence. This act of remembrance is not just about looking back; it is a bridge to moving forward. By immersing ourselves in gratitude for what we shared, we can soften the grip of grief and return to living life sooner. This is not about rushing through loss but about recognizing that our loved ones would want us to continue living fully, just as they did. Grieving is natural, but so is healing. Each memory we hold close is a tool for transformation, guiding us from sorrow back to joy, from mourning back to meaning. In honoring those we have lost, we learn to live with greater appreciation, depth, and resilience. Embracing Peace in Acceptance The idea that "today is the right time to die" is not about hastening the end of life, but about accepting death with peace and gratitude. When we release our fear of death, we free ourselves to live more fully. Life, with all its imperfections, becomes enough. There is no need for perfection when every moment—every high and low—is a gift. By embracing death as a natural part of our journey, we cultivate a greater appreciation for life itself. Each day becomes more precious, and each memory more meaningful. We find joy in the present and strength in the knowledge that life’s cycle continues, even through loss. So, let us not fear death, but embrace it as a profound part of life. Let us honor those we have lost by living boldly and fully. Today is the right time to die—not because life is over, but because today is the right time to live, love, and remember. In this acceptance, we find not only peace but the courage to continue, cherishing the past while stepping confidently into the future. Because today is the right time to live life fully.