At Your Death Bed: It’s You and You

Death is an inevitable part of life that we all must face at some point. When that time comes, it can be a time of great reflection and contemplation. Many people find themselves thinking about the people and experiences that have been most important to them over the course of their lives. At the end of it all, what really matters? I have always wondered, how it would be in a death bed and hence I simulated the same.

The Importance of Self-Reflection

In our daily lives, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our routines and obligations. We often prioritize our work, relationships, and other external factors over our own needs and desires. However, when we are faced with the prospect of death, all of these external factors fade away.

We are left alone with our thoughts and our own consciousness.

At this point, it becomes crucial to take a step back and reflect on the life we have lived thus far. What were the moments that brought us the most joy? What were the moments that caused us pain? How did we treat ourselves and others throughout our lives? Did we live a life that was true to ourselves, or did we prioritize the expectations and opinions of others?

The Importance of Self-Acceptance

One of the most important aspects of the relationship we have with ourselves is self-acceptance.

We are all imperfect beings, with flaws and mistakes that are an inevitable part of the human experience.

However, it can be easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism and self-judgment. When we are faced with the end of our lives, it becomes clear that all of the things we once thought were so important no longer matter. What matters most is the love and acceptance we have for ourselves.

This is not to say that we should not strive to improve ourselves or learn from our mistakes. Rather, it is about recognizing that we are all human, and that it is okay to make mistakes and have flaws. It is about forgiving ourselves for the times we fell short, and recognizing that we did the best we could with the tools we had at the time.

The Importance of Self-Love

In addition to self-acceptance, self-love is also a crucial aspect of the relationship we have with ourselves. When we love ourselves, we are able to show up in the world with a sense of confidence and inner peace. We are able to set boundaries and make choices that are in alignment with our true desires, rather than the desires of others.

Self-love also means taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. It means prioritizing our own needs and desires, and recognizing that we are worthy of love and care. This can be a difficult concept for many people, as we are often taught to put the needs of others before our own. However, at the end of our lives, it becomes clear that the only person we can truly rely on is ourselves.

The Importance of Forgiveness

Another important aspect of the relationship we have with ourselves is forgiveness. This includes both forgiving ourselves and others. Holding onto grudges and resentment can be a heavy burden to carry, and can prevent us from living a life that is full of joy and happiness.

Forgiveness is not about condoning the actions of others or pretending that everything is okay. Rather, it is about recognizing that we cannot control the actions of others, and that holding onto anger and resentment only harms ourselves. It is also about forgiving ourselves for the mistakes we have made, and recognizing that we are all doing the best we can with the tools we have.

Take Away

At the end of our lives, the only thing that truly matters is the relationship we have with ourselves. It is important to reflect on the life we have lived, accept and love ourselves for who we are, and forgive ourselves and others for any past hurts. By doing so, we can find a sense of inner peace and fulfillment that transcends any external factors.

Of course, this is not to say that our relationships with others are not important. Human connection is a crucial aspect of our lives, and the relationships we have with others can bring us great joy and fulfillment. However, it is important to recognize that these relationships are ultimately secondary to the relationship we have with ourselves.

In the end, it is up to each of us to cultivate a loving and accepting relationship with ourselves. By doing so, we can live a life that is true to ourselves, and find a sense of inner peace and fulfillment that lasts long after we are gone. At our death bed, it truly is just us and ourselves — and it is up to us to make that relationship a loving and fulfilling one.

-Penned as ‘LLL’