"Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely."

Living wisely means making choices that align with your values and pursuing a life full of meaning and purpose. When someone has done this, even the end of life—death—doesn't seem so scary. It's kind of like feeling content after a productive day; you've done what you needed to do, so you can rest easy.

Historically, this idea has roots in many philosophical traditions. For example, the Stoics in ancient Greece and Rome believed in living virtuously and in harmony with nature. They thought that if you lived your life well, you wouldn't fear death. Buddha also touched on this concept, teaching that wisdom leads to peace and a lack of fear regarding the end of life.

Picture this: an old woman named Margaret who spent her life helping others. She volunteered at the local food bank, mentored kids in her neighborhood, and always had time to lend an ear to a friend. Margaret lived simply, never seeking fame or fortune but focusing on what mattered to her—making a positive impact. As she approached the end of her life, she didn't have regrets. Sure, she had missed out on some things, but she felt she had led a meaningful life. Her fear of death was minimal because she knew she had lived with purpose.

So, how can you apply this idea? Start by identifying what truly matters to you. It might be family, helping others, creating art, or something entirely different. Once you know your core values, align your actions with them. This doesn't mean you have to make massive changes overnight. Small, consistent actions add up over time. Maybe volunteer an hour a week, call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, or spend a few minutes each day working on a project that excites you.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend. He tells you he's terrified of death. You ask him, "What would make you feel like you lived a good life?" He thinks for a moment and says, "I guess I'd want to know I made a difference in people's lives." You smile and respond, "So, what can you do today to start making that difference?" It’s not about grand gestures but small steps that align your daily actions with your larger purpose.

Think about the story of your life like a book. If each chapter is filled with actions and decisions that resonate with your values, then by the end of the book, even if it's a sudden ending, it feels complete. Life is unpredictable, and we can't control everything, but we can control how we live each day. By living wisely—according to what truly matters to us—we can reach the end without fear, knowing we've done our best.

So, start today. Reflect on what's important, make choices that align with those priorities, and take steps toward a life that you'll look back on without regret. That’s living wisely. And when you’ve done that, even death loses its sting.