To think of and prepare for death is not surrender, but victory over fear

If you are like most, you may be a bit squeamish when it comes to the subject of death. Most likely, it is something you would rather not think about. However, blocking the thought of death from one’s mind is a mistake. Those who choose to suppress thoughts of death can never realize their full potential. For it is only …

It is never too late to be what you might have been

Some people my age (62) believe it is too late to follow their dream. You don’t have to be 62 to believe it is too late. In fact, I was only 26 when I felt that way. You see, a friend asked me to join him in going to the university. But Im too old. I said. Everyone GRADUATES when …

The advantage of being old is that I can sing while I brush my teeth

Do you suffer from gerontophobia, which is the fear of old people, old age, and growing old? Judging by the number of books dealing with life after 50, or even 40, it appears that many people have difficulty dealing with aging. Since I’m 65, I have the right to ask, “What’s all the fuss about?” Part of the problem, it …

Help me, I’m growing old!

Leo writes, “Chuck, I was reading a book last night that said, ‘In every old person is a young person wondering what happened.’ Soon, I’ll be 47 years old, which to me is like being two years older than God. As a quasi-atheist, when I look into the abyss, I become very angry. Yet, having a total and complete lack …

The Death of the Fear of Death

A 17-year old reader has recently been diagnosed with depression and OCD and is being treated for them. She is obsessed with the fear of death, so much so that she is uncomfortable around the elderly or anyone who brings up the subject of death or the brevity of life. She writes: “What if the thing that you fear is …

Helping the Dying to Live

One day we will all have to visit, help, or comfort a dying person. How should we treat someone with a terminal illness? Shouldn’t we treat them the same way we treat anyone else? Why should we treat them differently when there is no difference between us. After all, aren’t we all dying? Yes, we are all dying, but until …