embracing life's finitude for a more fulfilling life

The fear of death is a universal experience because it touches one of the greatest human uncertainties: life's finitude. When this fear is present, it activates an internal protective mechanism that seeks to reduce the threat, and this can cause anxiety, hypervigilance, and affect the way we live.

It can lead us to try to control the uncontrollable, avoid the unknown, and choose “safer” paths. It can also influence relationships: drawing closer out of fear of being alone, or distancing ourselves out of fear of loss or suffering.

But the aim is not to eliminate fear. It is to learn to live with it without letting it dominate our lives. When it is balanced, the fear of death is natural and adaptive and can be a positive driving force for living better, reinforcing the importance of the present, caring for ourselves and those we love, and prioritising what truly matters.

By confronting and accepting our mortality, we gain a deeper appreciation for the present moment and can use this awareness as a catalyst for personal growth, stronger connections, and a more meaningful life