After being wrecked (in the best way) by reading it when it came out, I don't know that I can put myself through the show (my heart bruises a lot easier these days). But the urgency of living each day and telling people they matter, because it might be the last time I get a chance to do so is one of my drivers. Paradoxically, thinking about not knowing when I'll die gives me a strange sort of joy--the insignificance of life only makes it more precious. I think about this every time I see a butterfly--ephemeral but so beautiful and free and fully itself. And I think about Neil Gaiman's Death saying "you get the same as everyone: a lifetime." It's not morbid, though sometimes it fills me with pain and dread. But that certainty that it will happen, at the same time that we live not knowing when it will? And being conscious enough to think it and find joy regardless? Is one of the wonders and gifts of being human. Thank you for writing this piece and making me think!
Lots to think about in your words but I offer this story: https://www.uncannymagazine.com/article/an-account-of-the-land-of-witches/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
After being wrecked (in the best way) by reading it when it came out, I don't know that I can put myself through the show (my heart bruises a lot easier these days). But the urgency of living each day and telling people they matter, because it might be the last time I get a chance to do so is one of my drivers. Paradoxically, thinking about not knowing when I'll die gives me a strange sort of joy--the insignificance of life only makes it more precious. I think about this every time I see a butterfly--ephemeral but so beautiful and free and fully itself. And I think about Neil Gaiman's Death saying "you get the same as everyone: a lifetime." It's not morbid, though sometimes it fills me with pain and dread. But that certainty that it will happen, at the same time that we live not knowing when it will? And being conscious enough to think it and find joy regardless? Is one of the wonders and gifts of being human. Thank you for writing this piece and making me think!
Thanks for drawing my attention to ‘One Day’, looking forward to binging on Netflix. Seems poignant.