How Accepting Death Can Help You Live a Better, More Purposeful Life
Death is an inevitable part of life, yet it’s often a topic people avoid. The fear, uncertainty, and discomfort surrounding it make conversations about mortality rare. However, acknowledging and understanding death can profoundly impact how life is lived.
A Journey into End-of-Life Care
Alua Arthur, an end-of-life doula, has dedicated her career to guiding individuals and families through the process of dying. Her work involves offering emotional, practical, and spiritual support to those nearing the end of their lives.
Instagram | alualoveslife | Alua Arthur compassionately guides people facing mortality, offering comprehensive assistance.
Arthur’s path to this unique profession began unexpectedly. While traveling in Cuba during a time of personal struggle, she met a woman battling cancer. Despite facing a terminal diagnosis, the woman chose to spend her remaining days traveling the world. Their conversation shifted Arthur’s perspective on life and death, eventually inspiring her to work in end-of-life care.
Through her organization, she provides training, planning, and support to help individuals prepare for their final days with dignity and peace.
What the Dying Teach About Living
Arthur’s experiences have revealed valuable insights into what truly matters in life. Those nearing the end often reflect on their choices, regrets, and most meaningful moments. Some common themes emerge:
1. Relationships Over Possessions
In their final days, people rarely focus on material wealth or financial success. Instead, they cherish the time spent with loved ones, family, and close friends.
2. Authenticity Matters
Many express regrets about not living authentically and honestly, often wishing they had been truer to themselves rather than conforming to societal norms and expectations.
3. Time Is Precious
There’s a deep awareness that life is fleeting and unpredictable, leading many to wish they had spent more time doing what brought them joy, peace, and fulfillment.
By confronting mortality, individuals can gain clarity on how they want to live. Accepting that life is temporary encourages more intentional choices.
Breaking the Silence Around Death
Instagram | going_with_grace | Arthur’s book advocates for purposeful living by highlighting death’s role as a life reminder.
One of Arthur’s key messages is the importance of discussing death openly. Conversations about end-of-life planning, wishes, and expectations can alleviate anxiety for both individuals and their families.
Practical steps to start these discussions include:
1. Creating an Advance Directive – Clearly outlining medical preferences ensures that personal choices are honored.
2. Talking to Loved Ones – Sharing thoughts on death can make the process less intimidating and provide comfort to those left behind.
3. Seeking Support – Whether through professionals like end-of-life doulas or support groups, having guidance can make the journey less overwhelming.
Living Fully by Acknowledging the End
Arthur’s book, Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End, shares stories and reflections from her work, emphasizing how death can serve as a reminder to live with purpose.
Accepting the reality of death doesn’t mean living in fear; it means making the most of the time available. By embracing meaningful relationships, pursuing passions, and staying true to personal values, life can become richer and more fulfilling.
Conversations about mortality may be difficult, but they hold the power to transform the way life is lived. Instead of avoiding the inevitable, facing it directly can lead to a deeper appreciation for every moment.