How Reflecting on Death Can Bring Meaning to Your Life

Written by Shannen van der Kruk | Meaning

Death is often seen as a taboo topic—something that many of us avoid thinking about, even fearing. But paradoxically, contemplating our own mortality can lead us to a life that feels richer, more purposeful, and deeply aligned with our true values. By taking time to reflect on the end, we can gain clarity about how we want to live.

Why Reflecting on Death Brings Life into Focus

When we avoid thinking about death, we may drift through life without fully considering what’s meaningful to us. Taking a moment to imagine the end, however, can shine a light on what’s most important. Here’s how contemplating death can impact our lives:

  1. Clarifying Our Values: When we consider the brevity of life, it becomes easier to identify our core values—the things we want to stand for and be remembered by. We might ask ourselves, “What do I want my legacy to be?” Reflecting on this question can bring us closer to our deepest priorities, whether it’s kindness, growth, creativity, or connection.
  2. Living with Intention: Life can become busy, with routines and responsibilities often pushing our passions and dreams to the side. Reflecting on death encourages us to be more intentional, to make conscious choices about how we spend our days. When we think of our time as limited, it naturally follows that we’ll want to make each moment count.
  3. Releasing Trivial Concerns: Many of us spend time worrying about things that, in the grand scheme, don’t hold much weight. Whether it’s social comparison, minor inconveniences, or temporary setbacks, considering mortality can help put these issues in perspective. By focusing on what truly matters, we can let go of the small worries that often distract us.
  4. Strengthening Relationships: Contemplating death often leads to a renewed appreciation for the people in our lives. It reminds us to express gratitude, reach out to those we care about, and make time for connection. When we see life as finite, we may be more likely to prioritise time with loved ones, nurturing meaningful relationships.

The Eulogy Exercise: Writing Your Life from the End

One powerful way to bring these reflections into focus is by writing your own eulogy. While it may sound sombre, this exercise isn’t about dwelling on loss; rather, it’s about envisioning the life you want to lead.

A eulogy typically highlights the values, contributions, and qualities of a person. By drafting your own, you can gain insight into how you want to be remembered and the impact you hope to have.

How to Write Your Eulogy

  1. Imagine the Big Picture: Start by asking yourself: What are the overarching themes I want my life to embody? Think about the legacy you want to leave, the values you hope to reflect, and the contributions you wish to make.
  2. Focus on Relationships: Consider the people in your life and the role you want to play in their stories. How do you want to be remembered by family, friends, and colleagues? Reflecting on this can help guide you toward meaningful actions in your relationships today.
  3. Consider Your Life’s Work: Think about the contributions you’d like to make, not only professionally but also in the broader sense. What impact do you hope to have on your community or the world? This isn’t about grand achievements but rather the legacy you want to create, whether through small acts of kindness or big projects.
  4. Reflect on Personal Growth: Finally, look at the ways you hope to grow. What kind of person do you want to become over time? By identifying the qualities you want to cultivate, you can set a path toward becoming the best version of yourself.

Embracing Death as a Path to Meaningful Living

Reflecting on death isn’t about fostering fear—it’s about bringing clarity and perspective to life. By keeping our mortality in mind, we can focus on what truly brings us joy and purpose. This shift helps us move away from mindless routines and closer to living with intention.