People Are Sharing Why They’re Not Afraid Of Death, And This Is Actually Very Comforting
We all have different feelings about death. Some people are scared about missing out on experiences they haven't tried yet, while others embrace death as the next chapter in their book of life.
If you've ever wanted to pick the brains of people who aren't scared to pass on, you're in luck. In this Reddit thread that asks, "Why are you NOT afraid of death?" hundreds of people gave their perspectives on their own mortality.
Some shared personal experiences that marked a shift in their thinking, while others offered more general reasoning. I've rounded up 17 of the best responses, below:
1."To fear death is to give your time to death. Eventually, death will receive ALL of your time. No need to add to it."
2."When I was five I lost all oxygen to my brain for upwards of 7-10 minutes after a severe allergic reaction. What I saw has stayed with me since. The feeling I never got to feel again was blissful and pure. An infinite gridlock of white orbs, I myself was a ball of light too, floating through them. For that reason I look forward to the day whenever it does come. My outlook on death has pushed me to become a death doula so I may help others feel at peace during their time."
3."The time before you were born wasn’t so terrible. If there was nothing scary about pre-birth nonexistence, why would there be anything frightening about post-death nonexistence?"
4."Death is a promise made to us at birth. Makes no difference whether I fear it or not."
5."Ate WAYYY too many mushrooms once. And saw what it’s all about. I think the fear is about the pain before death. But the actual death part…nothing to fear. Simply embrace."
6."A few months ago, my mom died — just two months after her cancer diagnosis. I visited her all the time in the hospital and was with her when she died. Watching her decline from the disease was horrible, but her death was peaceful. Since then I am not afraid of death. I am sure she will take me with her when my time comes."
7."Death is coming no matter what I do. The certainty strangely helps remove the anxiety."
8."Because it's fascinating. I'm sure I'll feel differently when it's really happening but it's the answer to life's biggest question. I just want to know WTF is going on."
9."Trillions of life forms had already died before me and none of them are complaining."
10."Don't know if there is something after death, but if there is I get to see my dad again. He passed when he was just 44."
11."A scan picked up what looked like a tumor in my lung a little over six months ago, and whilst waiting for the diagnosis, I went through the process of considering what it would mean to me if I had six weeks, six months, six years to live."
"I came to the conclusion that I have had a very fortunate life; I have done and seen wonderful things and have had the good fortune to spend over two-thirds of my life with someone who loves me dearly. There are still things I want to do but I can have no complaints about what life has given me so far. Don't get me wrong, I'll be pissed, my eternally curious self will be sad to miss whatever great breakthrough comes next, but I'm not afraid."
12."It's not a popular answer here, but I'm not afraid of death because I believe in God and heaven."
13."67, not married, no kids. If I die, I die. Not much can be done about it. Can’t spend my life terrified. It could happen tomorrow or in 40 years. No one knows. Worrying is a waste of energy."
14."Life probably wouldn’t be as much fun if you never died…"
"I don’t remember what or who it was, but I think it was some podcast. This guy said something along the lines of 'let’s say there’s the tiniest bit of mold growing in your bathroom, you probably won’t fix it. Why? Because it’s not big enough yet. You’re smoking cigarettes, but you know it’s bad for your health but you don’t quit yet because it didn’t really noticeably affect your health yet,' and he gave some more examples. After that, he followed up, saying, 'We only do things when it’s really urgent.' I think that’s what life is. We have to give it our best shot because we don’t get a second chance."
15."My eldest sister passed…and she made me unafraid of it. She was always the first one to do something to show me it wasn’t scary. I hope (and honestly believe) there’s an alternate reality where I get to see her again and that thought makes me happy and gives me something to look forward to."
16."I had a near-death experience; some would call it an out-of-body experience. Whatever you want to call it, when I looked at myself and everyone who came out to check on me, I was more confused than anything. It was pretty peaceful if I'm being honest. Since that moment, I didn't fear death or the idea of it."
17."Just over a year ago, I had two major heart attacks. I wasn't scared or anxious...I was accepting. If it was my time to go, then so be it."
"I've lived a good life and enjoyed most of it. I had been on adventures, had my heart broken, and healed. I have a beautiful daughter who is growing up to be better than I ever was. My life is pretty complete. Death is just my next adventure. I don't know where it'll take me or what I'll see and experience. But when it's my time to make that journey, I'll be ready."
Do you have any perspectives that belong on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Some responses have been edited for length/clarity.
