Uncertainty

I recently came across a very interesting question: “If you had the chance to know exactly when you would die, would you take it?”

I pondered over this question for a good two days till I finally got my answer. When we know Death is certain, that is when we start to live. Quoting Death himself/herself (or itself), or at least Markus Zusak’s version of Death in The Book Thief: “Here is a small fact: You are going to die.” There is nothing to be done about that. It is as certain as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. We cannot control how and when we are going to die, but what we can control is how we are going to live. I do not mean just existing or being present, I mean really LIVING.

To find some solace in this murky eventuality, or a silver lining in this violent storm: What we do know for certain is that we will live on, eternally, in the memories we shared with the people who matter.

When we die, where do we go? No one really knows the answer to this question. There are many theories and answers in different religions and beliefs. But we do know one thing: When we die we leave our worldly possessions behind, even our memories and dreams. Maybe we just stop existing and thinking. It is, no doubt, a scary thought. To find some solace in this murky eventuality, or a silver lining in this violent storm: What we do know for certain is that we will live on, eternally, in the memories we shared with the people who matter.

Coming back to the question… yes, I definitely would take it. Knowing would give me a deadline to do the things I have not yet done — skydiving, paragliding, bungee jumping, the list goes on. It would give me the chance to visit all the places I want to see. It would give me the freedom to finally start living without fear of consequences. And finally, it would give me the opportunity to make amends with the people whom I have wronged and say ‘goodbye’ to the people I love.

The possibility of getting this chance is very slim to nil. So why don’t we start living every day like it might be our last? Why don’t we forgive more and get rid of all the negativity and petty grudges we have? Why don’t we spend more time with our loved ones and show them how much they matter? Why don’t we make a difference, need not be on a large scale, but at least in someone’s life?

Why don’t we be someone who is worth remembering?