Are You Ready to Die?

Morbid, I know. But it’s a good question if your therapist asks you. If you were to die today, would you be satisfied with your life? So many of us would answer no, but then make no changes!

This is always something that has fascinated me as a therapist, having worked with thousands of humans. So many people just go through the motions of life. They go to college because their parents said they should. They marry because it is the next step. They make one of the most life-altering decisions of their lives – they have children – because that is what society tells them should be their next milestone.

Then they take the job that is open. They buy the house that is on the market. So many people take the path of least resistance and their life gets laid out for them. As a therapist, I often ask my patients to be the author of their own story. They can close this chapter and write an entirely new one.

This could mean starting a new job. Deciding to go for a dream. It can also mean becoming a different person. Being intentional to be kinder. Reprioritizing time with your kids or spouse. Increasing self-care. Forgiving that loved one we are mad at but don’t know how to build a bridge back to.

So, reader. What if you died in 1 year? What might YOU do differently? What if you knew you only had 10 years left? It deserves some thought.

Are you considering all of the reasons why you have not made the changes that come to mind having asked yourself this morbid question? This is where we get shut down and give up. Your therapist knows this is a point of opportunity. Yes, it’s easier said than done. Get that validation over with – and get to work! Your therapist will be thrilled to point out that you are at a fortunate position (hopefully): You still have time. You don’t have to die with regrets.

She wants you to slow down at this point. It’s very easy to hop over our list of should haves because we are acutely aware of why it hasn’t happened yet. There are several reasons that we allow ourselves to stay stuck. Your therapist sees the possibilities if you were to work through these barriers. 

REMEMBER, doing nothing is also a choice. Choosing to maintain the status quo is your choice. Is that the one you want to make?

Her next question may be, “Well, if you found out that you were going to die 10 years from today, what would future-you tell current-you to do?” Future-you has the view of your life at 30,000 feet in the same way your therapist sees your possible future. Therapy is the place to work through the hindrances to your best life. 

The good news is that if you are reading this, you still have time to write the next chapter.

Feel better, y’all!