Serendipity

We often perceive life as a journey, a linear motion that unfolds within the inevitable process of death. Yet, within this way of life, we rarely comprehend what death truly means in the grand spectrum. Life without death is no life at all. It becomes a journey with no end, no other path—simply a straight road until one day it ceases to exist. Let me explain myself.

I believe that to understand any aspect of life, one must grasp the significance of death. Death is not merely an end; it is the gateway to new beginnings. For what we see as the end of life, death is only the seed that forces perspective when our walls are too high. Shrouded in misery and pain, clouding our judgment and sight, death becomes the chisel and hammer that continuously breaks away what is no longer necessary. We grow from little boys and girls into men and women. It is usually the death of our innocence that leads to this transition. We bid farewell to the world we saw growing up and welcome a reality that is far more tougher than we understood it to be. In moments where we believe all is well, this chisel and hammer break us down, leaving behind the rubble of what once was, allowing for the emergence of a more resilient version of what must be. Initially, death is a fearful concept that we instinctively avoid. We shun pain and the discomfort it brings, closing ourselves off from anything that might hurt us. But in doing so, we may find ourselves left with only loneliness. This is the process of death—the death of our understanding of life. Living means accepting that everyone in our lives will die, and that our relationships will inevitably end or transform into something different. Understanding this cycle of death, a lesson rarely taught, made it easier for me to navigate and manage my relationships.

I, too, struggled to understand the role that death plays in life, often associating it with negativity. We cling to good memories, unaware that something better is waiting. Better versions of those we love are growing into themselves. For me, death was close and personal; I had seen people I loved leave this world in unforgiving ways, which fostered a deep cynicism for life. It took years before I could see what this death had done to me. This death made me scared to love, made me fearful of continuing on. But with proper guidance with those close to me, I also understood that death made me strong, made me hold onto the love I had, and allowed for me to adapt with the changes around me.

In embracing the cycle of life and death, we find the courage to create new beginnings and cherish the fleeting moments that make life so precious. Let us not shy away from death, but rather, see it as a powerful force that continuously shapes and renews our existence. In the moment there is no turning away negative thoughts. Only with time is death understood to be something of great value.