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OPINION

Halloween has come and gone once again, giving both young and old the chance to participate in ghoulish delights.

Children littered the streets in cute and creepy costumes, knocking on doors for candy, and many adults partook in their own spooky fun, attending parties or handing out treats.

Others still elected to stay indoors, watch a scary movie and turn in early.
 
But amongst all the festivities of Halloween, there are certain undertones of darkness and death — questions of where we go when we die.

Recently I was reading a book titled, Overcoming the fear of death: Through each of the 4 main belief systems.

I know it sounds dismal and depressing, but I’ve always been intrigued by views about death, and as someone who grew up without any kind of religious background, I take comfort in reading about the beliefs of others.

If it were up to me, I would live forever. I love life and honestly believe I could live a hundred different lifetimes before I would ever start to feel bored or defeated by life — even through the really dark days.

But unfortunately it’s not up to me, and as much as the frightening thoughts of the unknown can keep me up at night, I know it is the inevitability we all must face.

And maybe the way to take away the power of a fear is to quit being afraid of discussing it.

I’m not saying I want to be that girl at a party who casually asks what everyone’s take on reincarnation between Jell-O shots is, but why must we keep our thoughts on death in the shadows.

Maybe we can even find a humour in it — to comfort and console those coping with death or who are struggling with their beliefs.

We treat the thought of death like some secret club — you can only talk about it once its close, and once it gets here you have no time to talk about it (obviously).

I always figured when life was done, it was done and the world would just fade to black.

Now in my 30s, I’ve become more of a spiritual person. Maybe more of a ‘hopeful’ person (if I am being honest), that there is something more to be had when I ‘cross over.’

But I can’t seem to wrap my head around what that might look like.

Are there spirits? Angels? Is there a feeling of peace and tranquility? Do we know when the end is near or does it come as a total shock?

So many unanswered questions.

We have no control over when the Grim Reaper comes calling, but we have control over how we live today, and each day until we transcend from this life.

So until then I will continue to watch my babies grow, in wonder and amazement, and appreciate life as the gift it really is.

Life asked death, "Why do people love me but hate you?" Death responded, "Because you are a beautiful lie and I am a painful truth." (Author unknown)

— Becky Mann is a 30-something, red haired, mother of two, trying to navigate this life as best she can. She enjoys talking to people and discovering their stories. Still trying to balance her personal and professional life, she juggles work and play. In her spare time Becky can be found visiting with friends, spending time with her family and saving time by reading while walking. She knows there is so much more to come and is looking forward to the continued adventure.

News from © iNFOnews, 2017