1. Death is not the end of life, but an event in life.
2. Drama doesn’t die with you. Families can be messy and chaotic, but if relationships cannot be repaired, make a Will. Actually, just make a Will. You’ll be surprised who appears once you’re dead.
3. The human body is as strong and resilient as it is fragile; what destroys one person might barely leave a mark on another. The same can be said for the human spirit. Either outcome is apparently random and unpredictable, especially when it comes to death and bereavement.
4. Fully accepting that one day you will die, and that you have little control over how and when, can be magnificently liberating. Without a fear of dying, you are able to live in the moment and appreciate what is important to you. Eat, drink and be merry, because a long life is not promised to anyone. But do so in moderation, because you are not guaranteed to die tomorrow either.
5. Get a tattoo (this is not specifically related to #4) and make sure people know about it.
Lara-Rose Iredale is a Senior Anatomical Pathology Technologist at a hospital mortuary in London.
@OnTheArrow