October 7, 2024

When It Comes To Epitaphs, Keep It Simple





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 what 

you 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.
















2 comments:

  1. Anonymous10/13/2024

    “She tried her very best, always.”

    I 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.”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10/14/2024

      I love it. Brief, to the point, and humorous. I won't quit trying until I die.

      - Gregg

      Delete

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