Life always comes to an end one day, and the thought of death can be frightening. When we’re young, we often feel like we’ll live fore...
Life always comes to an end one day, and the thought of death can be frightening. When we’re young, we often feel like we’ll live forever, but over time, certain experiences remind us that we’re not. This could be surviving a close call, losing someone we love, or simply noticing how quickly the years pass by.
Death feels scary for most people because there’s so much we want to do in life. On top of that, it’s an unknown journey, and the unknown often brings fear. Different religions and personal beliefs offer different explanations about what happens after death, but one thing is clear: the way we think about death changes the way we live. And since change often comes with some grief, it can be hard to deal with.
So, how do we face the fear of dying?
We can’t go back in time to change the past, and while we can prepare for the future, many things will always be out of our control. Worrying endlessly doesn’t help. Think of life as a car trip—you may face flat tires, detours, or delays, but you still reach your destination. Life is the same: unexpected problems will come, but the journey continues.
Sadly, many people miss enjoying the present because they’re stuck in the past or anxious about the future. But the present is all we really have. Living in the moment is the best way to reduce fear and regret.
For example, think about driving to work. How often do you reach the office without even remembering the journey? That’s because your mind was busy elsewhere. Being truly present means noticing the road, the buildings, the trees—things you’d otherwise miss. Staying in the present also keeps you safe; many accidents happen simply because drivers were distracted.
In the end, it’s fine to look back or plan ahead sometimes, but don’t let regrets or worries control you. Life is short, and we can’t control everything. What we can do is enjoy the moment we’re in and be grateful for the chance to live it at all.
