Back to School, BLM, Death Anxiety, and Shopping Cart Theory

Hi guys! Patron Vee here! Wow, I was amazed to hear my question addressed in such detail here (despite receiving an email response earlier in the year). Thank you so much! My death anxiety has abated a lot since I wrote to you, but I still catch myself ruminating & worrying about it sometimes, especially if I'm tired, stressed or feeling low. It can feel absolutely terrifying if I let the anxiety take over. I definitely relate to Humberto's susceptibility to thinking, "But this is all going to end," when having a particularly loving moment with my husband. It's awful! But you're right Dr Kirk — I'm obviously not being present if I'm allowing those fears to creep in. It's very hard but I'm working on it because I don't want to miss out on living life by being so afraid of death. Btw, I must say that contemplating the fact I was "dead for billions of years before I was born" does not offer me any comfort at all! 😂 I have noticed that the more time I pour into activities that fulfil me, the less and less I've been contemplating death. Lately I've been making strides to create more art, start exercising and cherishing my time with my husband. I've also realised that making art and connecting with others through my work gives me a LOT of meaning and purpose. I also really want to start a family in the next couple of years. Hopefully as I continue to make strides towards these goals, the more I can move from "death anxiety" to "death awareness", and leave the excess fear behind. I feel so comforted to know that I'm in the Death Awareness Club with you two, and possibly many, many others. This fear was extremely isolating at first until I heard you (Dr Kirk) and Bob talk about it earlier in the year! Thank you again. It was helpful and insightful, and made me feel less alone.