A letter to my friends

A letter to my friends:

You are going to die.

Think about that. Think about how hard that is to accept. Oh, surely, we know philosophically and hypothetically that we will someday kick the proverbial bucket, but rarely do we consider the actual meaning of the phrase. I could list a plethora of metaphors and clichés, but I hardly think that will further the effect. Try really hard; it took me months to finally realize the fatal solemnity and truthfulness of that simple statement.

So, you don't like to think about unpleasant things? There's no reason to turn a blind eye to life's only guarantee (if you think you're cute throwing "taxes" into that statement, I'll kick you in the teeth). Accept this, and realize the importance of time. I'm not trying to guilt anyone into being a better person; we have churches and idealists for such matters. Just be aware that it's imminent and definite.

If I'm raining on your parade, allow me to offer you an umbrella. The point of me typing this is not to worry you, nor am I staying up late to tell you how to conduct your lives--rather; I want to share something positive and uplifting with you, and I hope you have the wherewithal to read what I'm saying.

Don't worry. I haven't gone all religious-y. I just want you to know that you all put far too much pressure on yourselves. You thin friends tell me you're fat, you pretty friends tell me you're ugly, you smart friends tell me you're unintelligent, and you kind friends tell me you're unthoughtful. Stop it. You are all wonderful people in your own ways.

I know some of you guys are lamenting about school, pulling your hair out over your futures, gritting your teeth over money, despairing your unresolved emotional issues, or getting migraines trying to work out some philosophical problems. Life sucks. None of these worries may ever be resolved, and you're letting them dominate your behavior.

Above that, you know, at least a little bit, that you're going to die someday. Sounds bad, I know, but think hard for me for a second. Why be afraid to die if you're afraid to live happily? Fearing life will not help you. Remember, there's nothing wrong with having a good time; as soon as got here, you started dying. Growth, maturity, improvement--all are just preparation for death in the cadence of your life. Might as well dance most of the way.

My name is Andy, and I say unto you: be happy in spite of the misery of life, and you're one step closer to conquering death.
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Soundtrack:
There's a Million Ways To Sing the Blues - The Features - Exhibit A
Wake Up - The Living End - State of Emergency
The Way We Get By - Spoon - Kill the Moonlight
Do What You Want - OK Go - Oh No
Overdose - Hurt - Vol. 1