Soon We’ll Be Dead: Anonymous
A few days ago, I wrote a post asking people to complete a questionnaire about death. I wanted to thank everyone who participated; I know it’s not the easiest thing to ponder (it gives me anxiety just thinking about it myself).
I hope that reading each other's thoughts, fears, and beliefs surrounding death makes us feel less alone and perhaps grants us an opportunity to view our inevitable end anew.
I’ll be posting the answers from the questionnaire in the order that they were received every Monday, so stay tuned.
Our first post is from an anonymous person. Enjoy:)
Name
Anonymous
Do you have a website, blog, or socials?
No
Are you scared of death?
Yes
What do you think happens to us when we die? Where do we go?
I think we simply die. We probably go through some euphoric, dreamlike state right before completely passing, but that's it.
Do you have a sense of purpose in life? What were you put on this Earth to do?
I don't really see myself as having a calling, not a singular one, at least. I don't necessarily think others should be pressured to find some sort of calling, either. For now, I just want to be someone who helps and uplifts others whenever I can.
What makes a meaningful life?
Being true to yourself in a way that doesn't compromise your beliefs or values while being a positive light to others.
If you were going to die today, what would you regret the most?
Not putting myself out there more because of fear.
How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as a reliable friend, sibling, and daughter and someone who was able to see and enjoy life with childlike wonder!
Is it important to you to leave a legacy behind?
Not really. Though I sometimes fantasize about what would happen if my diaries somehow became globally known and read. But again, it's just a fantasy because I am the most boring person ever. With my lack of juicy gossip and life experience, I know that could never happen!
What are you most proud of in your life?
My growth as a person.
Would you rather be cremated or buried? Why?
Cremated. I don't see the need to take up land! I'm gone!
What do you want your epitaph to say?
"Died laughing, probably." But then again, I would be cremated and not need an epitaph.
What would be the worst/best way to die for you?
It would be the worst to die in excruciating pain, whether slow or quick. The best way to die would probably be in my sleep.
What are your five "Bucket List" (for lack of a better term) things you want to do before you die? What are some important things that you want to experience, learn, or do?
Travel on my own to Europe, learn a new language and be able to speak with other native speakers, be part of a community organization, live alone in the city, and go back to my home country (again).
Any comments, thoughts, or suggestions?
Maybe:
If you have experienced grief, how has that impacted the way you view death?
What object do you own would you like to be remembered by?
What are you taking to the grave with you?
Is there something you would like others to know about you before you die?
People have been leaving very thoughtful suggestions and comments at the end of the form, and I'll need to consider the best way to share these going forward.
Do I keep adding these new questions to the form? Do I revamp the questionnaire every month? Do I leave these answers as is, just as comments and insights?
How will this affect people who have already provided answers? I don’t want anyone to miss out. I need to think about this a little more.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on such a tough and personal subject matter, and see you next Monday.