Embracing Mortality and Making a Graceful Exit
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.”
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“Leave”: The Short Version:
We all must leave this world one day, but instead of fearing it, we can prepare for it with wisdom and grace. Accepting our mortality allows us to live more fully. Plan for the practical—wills, final wishes, and goodbyes—but also consider the emotional. Make peace with those you love, say what needs to be said, and live in such a way that when your time comes, you have few regrets. As the Stoic philosopher Seneca put it, “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it.”
“Leave”: The Long Version:
Life, for all its joys and struggles, has one certainty: it will end. While many shy away from the topic of death, embracing our mortality can actually bring clarity and meaning to the way we live. The philosopher Seneca advised, “Let us prepare our minds as if we’d come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing.” Facing the reality of our finite time on earth helps us make the most of each moment, live with intention, and ensure that when our time comes, we can leave with grace.
Many people fear death, but acknowledging it can be liberating. The Stoics often practiced memento mori, the meditation on mortality, not as a morbid exercise but as a way to appreciate life. When we accept that life is temporary, we stop wasting time on trivial concerns and focus on what truly matters—love, kindness, wisdom, and meaningful experiences. The poet Mary Oliver asked, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” The knowledge that our time is limited gives us the urgency to answer that question with purpose.
Leaving well means ensuring that our departure is not just an end, but a transition that leaves behind wisdom, kindness, and love. When we live with awareness of our impermanence, we don’t just prepare for death—we prepare for a life well-lived.
Preparing for the Inevitable
Leaving well means making practical preparations. No one likes to think about the paperwork of death, but taking care of these matters is an act of love for those we leave behind. Writing a will, making end-of-life wishes clear, and ensuring loved ones are financially and emotionally prepared can ease the burden on them. As the saying goes, “Leave things better than you found them,” and this applies not only to how we live but also to how we depart.
Beyond legal and financial matters, preparing emotionally is just as crucial. This means having honest conversations with family, expressing our wishes, and making peace with unfinished business. Regret is often the heaviest baggage at life’s end. Saying what needs to be said—whether it’s “I love you,” “I forgive you,” or “I’m sorry”—allows us to leave with a lighter heart.
Knowing When to Let Go
Leaving isn’t just about the final departure from life—it’s also about recognizing when it’s time to step away from situations, relationships, or roles that no longer serve us. Whether it’s retiring from a long career, moving on from a toxic environment, or embracing a new chapter, knowing when to leave is a skill in itself. The great Persian poet Rumi wrote, “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.” Graceful exits allow for fresh beginnings.
Remember, too, that leaving well is a gift to others. When we face this natural part of life with courage and openness, we help others do the same. We show that it’s possible to face life’s biggest challenges with dignity and even find moments of beauty and meaning in them.
Leaving well influences how we Live because knowing our time is limited helps us make better choices about how to spend it. It affects how we Love because understanding life’s temporary nature makes our connections more precious. It shapes our Learning as we gain wisdom about what truly matters. It helps us Laugh because sometimes humor is the best way to face life’s biggest challenges. It guides our Labor as we think about what we want to accomplish in our time here. And of course, it directly shapes the Legacy we leave behind.