“Life is an unknown journey, even our own death is unknown for us.”

As I watch and read about the assassination of one of Japan’s greatest prime ministers, late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe-san. I was completely taken aback. I may not know him personally, but as a Filipino, I admire him for his compassionate service as well as his outstanding leadership in his beloved country. He was once a supportive ally of ours, particularly during the administration of our former President Rodrigo Duterte. He’s been a good and loyal friend to him.

May you rest in peace Abe-san.

I realized after this occurrence that nothing is certain, not even our own deaths. Even Abe-san was unaware that day was his last. But at least he had lived so much better than I had, in comparison. This impending event’s timing and cause are still uncertain. Even though death is an inevitable part of life’s cycle, many of us make every effort to put off facing our mortality. Actually, we are most afraid of this. Of course, who would want to die when there are still so many things we want to accomplish in our lives? Many of us will remark, “Oh, I am not ready to die.” But accepting that death is inevitable can help us learn to appreciate the present moment more. Being aware of our mortality might help us to appreciate every second of life that we are given. It can also be freeing, as one of the outcomes can be more conscious choices in the present. Indeed, if we can strive to control how death anxiety affects us, we can avoid potentially negative or destructive behavior and focus on the time we have.

That is why we must let go of the things we are familiar with in order to fully explore what it means to live, not only with the thing we call life but also with death, which is the unknown. Not knowledge about our house or workplace, but rather the psychological effect of it in our life. What I am trying to emphasize is letting go of the things to which our mind clings. We desire to leave behind the things that cause us suffering; but, we cling to flattery instead. We want to give up because of the suffering, yet we cling to the pleasure like grim death. Look how this effect controlled our life?

Can you die to that pleasure now, not later? Death cannot be reasoned with, nor can it be argued with for an extended period of time. We must die voluntarily for our pleasure, which does not imply that we will become harsh, brutal, or ugly; rather, we will become highly sensitive; sensitive to beauty and dirt; and being sensitive, we will care infinitely. That is the meaning for me of accepting that I am mortal.

I want to leave you with this notion before I wrap up this article.

“After all, how often do we get a second chance?” ― Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why

It’s how you choose your path when given the opportunity. It is up to you to do it again or try another way. It can also be, “Are you satisfied with who you are now?” or “Are you willing to change?” After all, nobody knows when we’ll die. To at least give our lives significance, we must take action. We must create our own meaning.