death.

Death is a paradox—painful, yet beautiful. It’s a subject that provokes deep reflection, not in a morbid or sensational way, but as something profoundly personal. It brings us to our knees, often without warning.

Although death is a part of life, people tend to pretend to accept it. We hear things like, “Not everyone wants to be sad all the time. Why did it have to happen?” which makes sense. It also presents a contradiction. Grieving is natural, but we often shy away from it, afraid to face the unknown. This avoidance is rooted in fear. We can become consumed by small anxieties—overthinking, lacking faith, or not fully understanding the impermanence of life.

Our fear centers around the unknown, and we try to control it by focusing on superficial aspects—how we want it to unfold, when, and where. The reality surrounds details beyond our control. It is counterproductive to try to dictate something as profound as the end of life when we have not even tried to understand our own journey.

I believe certain experiences repeat themselves for a reason, sometimes as karmic lessons or reminders. We cannot live in fear of inevitable endings. Instead, we must make the most of the time we have, being deliberate in our actions and choices. It is only by fully engaging with life that we can grow. If we allow ourselves to get lost in the patterns of comparison and regret, we miss the chance to learn from the losses that come our way.

True growth comes when we embrace self-awareness. We must trust that we have the power to control the things that control us—whether it is our emotions, habits, or relationships. No one else can decide our path for us. If we do not make those decisions ourselves, no one else is responsible for stepping in. We must learn to accept loss as part of the natural order, without denying its impact. Grief and sadness are not signs of weakness—they are integral parts of the human experience.

I grew up unable to handle loss. I knew it was a part of life, but I couldn’t understand why it was necessary. Even when people tried to explain it to me, it didn’t make sense. Over time, I’ve learned to confront it without letting fear dictate my responses. For me, the key was understanding that every loss—whether it’s a relationship, a dream, a toxic habit, or even financial struggles—happens for a reason.

We cannot control time, and we cannot prevent every hardship. Growth often emerges from loss. Every hardship offers a lesson, a chance to evolve. If we remain stagnant, we risk falling into toxic cycles, trapped by negative thought patterns or outdated beliefs. But if we can recognize that these experiences are pushing us to evolve, we can break free from those cycles.

When we lose a public figure, the collective energy shifts. We all feel the impact—the absence that leaves a void. People begin searching for answers, for meaning, for strength. And perhaps the greatest strength we can harness in those moments is a deepened self-awareness. We must stop comparing the present to the past. The current moment is all we have, and we must make it count. The loss of any influential person should not be in vain. There is something in their life story that we can learn from, something that calls us to be more mindful of the world around us and to stop living in oblivion.

We cannot afford to sit in disbelief or dwell in ignorance. The shift begins within us, and it starts with intention. Living without purpose or direction only perpetuates division, hatred, and violence. Standing together with clear intention, positive energy, and faith, we can create real change. This shift is not just about honoring others—it’s about recognizing the wisdom they shared and acting on it. When we learn to accept the harsh truths that life offers—about love, loss, and impermanence—we open ourselves to growth and transformation. Each loss brings the opportunity for reinvention.

The question is, are we willing to embrace the lessons life is trying to teach us? Are we prepared to face the inevitable changes and challenges with grace and awareness? The choice is ours. When we start making decisions for ourselves, with clarity and purpose, we align ourselves with the potential for real growth. That is the lesson I take from every loss—personal or collective. May we continue to carry the wisdom of those who have passed forward, living with intention and an open heart.