"Of course I wake up finally thinking, how wonderful to be who I am, made out of earth and water, my own thoughts, my own fingerprints- all that glorious temporary stuff."

This little ditty comes from Mary Oliver who has now joined the spirit world. I am sure there was quite a kerfluffle to welcome her.  The idea that upon waking we would remind ourselves how glorious and temporary our existence is- would put us on the path to a better life and a better death.  

'In my work I frequently bump up against the phrases of "fighting it" or "giving up".  It's as if we are all masters of the universe whose death is never acceptable.   It's another example of end of life discussions where we are given choices as if it is one or the other.  This kind of thinking offers a false dichotomy.

As we are facing death we have another choice.  Acceptance.  It is not the same as giving up.  It is choosing to live in the moment with the truth  and preparing for death.  This will not hasten it.  It gives us time to think about our legacy and heal the relationships that need to be mended. This is the oppostie of giving up it is choosing to live fully in the moment.  We are all on death row.  We are all living up until the moment we die.  No one is giving up on their life but I would contend that they are choosing to craft an end to it.