How would you like to be remembered after you are gone?
Author Dean Koontz's advice for keeping it simple are words I could borrow for the epitaph on my gravestone after I leave this body.
It describes my approach to things nicely.
''Stay low,Stay quiet,Keep it simple,Don't expect much,Enjoy whatyou have.''
These words resonate with me, and although I have not yet enjoyed any of his works, I am told they reflect Koontz's writing themes of humility, resilience, and appreciation for life's simple joys.
His words convey a humble and down-to-earth philosophy by which I strive to live.
The elevator version would be something like:
- Appreciate the simple things
- Set realistic expectations
- Find joy in what you already have, and
- Live life with modesty and humility
While I am still around, I strive to:
- Stay grounded
- Be content, and
- Cherish life's quiet moments
Do you have an epitaph in mind for your own headstone, perhaps something simple living-themed?
Too morbid?
If not, come up with your own epitaph, and share it with us in the comments below.
Here are a few real life examples for inspiration:
"She lived each day with joy" (Ruth A. Miller, 1925-2011)
"A leaf on the wind" (Ray Bradbury, 1920-2012)
"Do no harm" (Thomas F. Bayard, 1828-1898)
"Love is eternal" (Henry D. Thoreau's family epitaph)
Of course, writing your epitaph is the easy part. The challenge is to also have a plan to live up to those words while we are still here.
“She tried her very best, always.”
ReplyDeleteI really do my very best even though I sometimes don’t get the outcome I desired and it all goes awry. My husband and daughter often say they can tell I really put thought and effort into an outing/meal/event though we have had some funny misadventures like the time I made a big basket of food and we headed to a playground for a picnic and then I set our blanket on top of dog poo by mistake….or the time I planned a hike only for us to be practically blinded by thick swarms of gnats. Ahh, the memories! Ha.
A shorter epitaph might be: “Well, she tried.”
I love it. Brief, to the point, and humorous. I won't quit trying until I die.
Delete- Gregg