Although this subject seems to be a morbid topic to discuss, I have found that it is very commonly thought about by many people, especially elderly people.

I personally have no fear of dying. I understand that it will be the last thing I will do in this life. All my worries will be of no importance.

When I was a little girl each night I would say my prayers.

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray The Lord my soul to take.”

Then I would add, “But please dear Lord don’t let me die.”

My fear of dying was very real, although I didn’t understand at that age what death was about.

After years had passed I stopped worrying about dying, and focused on living.  I had places to go and things to do.

My parents died when I was in my early twenties, and I have experienced the loss of many other people that I loved over the years. This made me realise that one day I will die also.

I made a decision that I would want to live only as long as I was capable of doing the things I wanted to do and not rely solely on others.

It also made me realise that we need to tell people how important they are to us, while we still have them with us in our life.

Always leave one another friends, it could be the last time you see them.

The fear of death can sometimes be the result of depression, or anxiety, conditions that should be treated with the help of a professional.

Here are some things that may help to overcome this phobia:-

• Surround yourself with family and friends that you love.
• Write a “bucket list” of all the things you want to do before you die and start doing them.
• The more you embrace life, the less frightened you will feel when the time comes.
• Donate some of your time to helping those in need.
• Be an organ donor, save a life.

We have all come into this world for a reason, to live it to the fullest and enjoy each day. Let us create a better place for our children and those that will follow us.

I hope that when the time comes, I will have lived my life to the best of my ability, and that others will be the better for having had me in their lives.

– Nancy