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Golden Inspirations |
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"Aim above morality ... be not simply good; be good for something."
- Henry David Thoreau
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Home  Featured Columnists Dr. Michael Brickey, Ph.D. Ask Dr. Ageless How do I help someone who is dying?
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How do I help someone who is dying?
We all want to think that our lives mattered and we played our hands well. Presidents worry about the legacy they will leave. For people who believe there is place in heaven waiting for them, the task usually is easy. For other people, emphasizing three points usually helps:
1. You helped a lot of people and touched a lot of lives. Give specific examples. Rearing children is an obvious example, but so is mentoring, great friendships, volunteer work, donating blood, etc. When people are dying, they usually focus on family and relationships as opposed to work. Consequently, contributions to the profession usually don't resonate except for professors, politicians, and founders.
2. You did honest, needed work. It helped a lot of people and made the world a better place. While there are crooks and shysters, most people's work made the world a better place and they should take credit for it.
3. You went many places, did many things, and met fascinating people. You heard a lot of music, saw a lot of beauty, and enjoyed life. In short you lived a full life. (Note: How you word things can make a big difference. If you talk about living fully, an unhelpful "yes-but" inner voice often objects with things they didn't get to do.)
If one of the points doesn't fit, emphasize the other two.
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Anti-aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey is President of the Ageless Lifestyles Institute and author of Defy Aging. His new book, 52 baby steps to Grow Young, gives two-page-a-week practical steps for developing a youthful mindset at every age. Further information is at www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.
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