The National Safety Council maintains statistics on general "odds of dying" from selected causes, most of which will never happen to us, though, the odds of death from any cause are 100%.
When someone close experiences a traumatic life altering event, it is not uncommon to spiral into imaginings of "what could happen" in our own lives. During these times our fears threaten to overtake us. Since every experience is meant to magnify something within, we should use these opportunities to examine what our fears may be trying to tell us.
Our thoughts concerning death provide valuable lessons.
The stamina required to make final arrangements while tending to the estate business of a loved one is taxing. And when facing the full impact of your grief it is almost impossible. Past experience has urged me to complete this planning process on my own behalf as a loving gesture toward my family.
Some will think this morbid and unnecessary as I am still relatively young and healthy, but for me, it is a common sense remedy that lends itself to minimizing any anxiety I face associated with my inevitable transition. Taking these actions now will benefit my family when this time is upon them.
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less." ~ Marie Curie
In times of crises, normal concerns become magnified and can paralyze us. The recent Ebola scare has many who already dread suffering in sickness and death standing toe to toe with these common fears. An overwhelming number of those who believe in a Higher Power say that no matter what happens to their physical body, their spirit will live on, but this has not negated their increasing anxiety, though it should.
Contemplating death brings many logical concerns about how your lifestyle might be affected if the home's primary breadwinner were to become incapacitated or the individual you rely upon for emotional security were to become ill. We would be concerned about the welfare of our children and aging parents if we were no longer able to care for them.
So let each of us examine our responses. When fear overwhelms us emotionally it is difficult to think or behave logically. Fear is a spirit that can be overcome with faith and our faith must be greater. His grace is sufficient to sustain us in any crises. Sit with your fears and let them teach you.
Are your current fears speaking to you?
What life circumstances do you fear will overtake you?
What actions might alleviate fear created anxiety?
