Sometimes I just lose the focus. I get so wrapped up in life that I forget about the important things. For instance, I spent the other morning dedicated to figuring out my schooling schedule so that I could see how long it would take me to get my bachelor's degree (four years, if all goes well!). Since that time I have been obsessing over which class to take and when and where, etc., etc., etc. Who cares!
Then, my three day weekend was spent sorting and cleaning. Obsessively. I still managed to get to five barbecues (Yikes. Weight Watchers weigh-in might be a little rough this week!) but my entire weekend's thinking revolved around what I wanted to still do at home. Except for the four soccer games that I went to and then I was too full of anxiety for them to win that I wasn't thinking about anything except, "Make that goal!!" :)
My point, though? What does it matter! I realize the importance of responsibility and of preparation/planning for some things, but when it takes over and consumes you, I don't know if that's so healthy.
This all leads to my question of the week. I tend to think about death a lot. Not in the suicidal manner -- good grief, I cry when I get a paper cut! -- but in the manner of realizing that none of us can avoid it so why not do what you can now to feel OKAY with it and at peace with it. So when I have weeks like these last few where I obsess and plan and control, I completely lose sight of the important things...the daily things that keep me at peace with the big picture.
Anyway, back to my question. I have a couple of friends that feel that I tend to think about death a bit too much. They have said that it's not normal. I also have other friends who say that, yeah, they think about it a lot, too, and that it is normal. What do you think? Is it normal to think of the brevity of life or is it odd to think about it so much?
Let me know your thoughts! I'm curious as to whether I'm an oddball or not! :)
PS -- I hope this isn't too depressing of a post! I'm not in a "down" mood at all and I certainly don't want to come across that way!! :o)
6 comments:
You will learn eventually not to ask my opinion, cause I'll give it!
Since I was about 12, I've had my funeral plans all made out and copies given to Dad and Mom. Obviously I have to update them, because now I'm married, so some people think I'm a little odd too!
I think if we didn't think about death, we would put off doing the right thing and serving God, because if you don't think about death, why bother to do good now? I think remembering often that our life could end at any time makes us realize that we need to be giving our best today. Of course, giving our best every day helps us to make peace with knowing we could die any time. If you are doing the right thing, why do you have to fear it? Besides the fact that we love our friends, family and other natural things and don't want to leave them/loose them.
Also, because you have been closer to death than most of us, of course you are going to think about it! I think you are perfectly normal.
Hey Jen,
I think that you are perfectly normal! What is normal anyway?!?
Kate, according to dictionary.com (Websters online is similar, too), "normal" is defined as:
–adjective
1. conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.
2. serving to establish a standard.
I hope this answers your question, Ms. Kate. :o)
ok, the 'ol woodtick frum 'sconsin gots hiz opineeun on this heer uf ewe thinkin bout death. ewe need to eat more fiber and drink more fluids!!! maybe more raisuns or vegeeze wood hep 2!!that shuud keep ewe okupied nuf sews yer thoughts arrnt dwellin on def!!!!
Like Joce, I think that it is healthy to think about death. But we don't need to dwell on it persay. We don't want to get too fucused on earthly things or down about having a bad day, cause it'll all be ashes someday. It is good to have plans and some organization to your life. However, I sometimes find myself trying to plan things out too much and becoming overwhelmed. Like Mamma always says... Moderation in all things!
Plan like you are going to live forever, but be ready to die today!
Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.......life is to damn short to be dwelling on what the end result is! I say instead of thinking so much --you run through a field barefoot, go skinny dipping in a mountain lake and be thankful you were given the oppurtunity to do it!!!
Post a Comment