Paul Kix in writing about the 1963 Birmingham Campaign that shaped the course of the Civil Rights Movement in the USA, coined the phrase “You have to be prepared to die before you can live.” I am of the mind and strongly take the position that this is equally true of accepting and becoming a successful dialysis patient. Let’s delve deeper into the concepts embodied in the phrase “You have to be prepared to die before you can live.” and how they apply to those of us on dialysis or contemplating doing so.
The concept “You have to be prepared to die before you can live” encapsulates a profound and thought-provoking idea about personal growth and living a fulfilling life. At its core, it suggests that true transformation and living authentically require a willingness to let go of old patterns, beliefs, and attachments, even if it feels like a part of oneself is dying in the process. Such acceptance and transformation of personal thought are also the basis for successful dialysis.
To fully grasp the meaning of this concept, it’s important to explore its various dimensions:
- Letting go of fear: Death often symbolizes the ultimate fear and uncertainty. To truly live, one must confront and overcome their fears. This means embracing the unknown, taking risks, and pushing beyond self-imposed limitations. By being prepared to face the possibility of “dying” in a metaphorical sense, individuals can break free from the constraints that hold them back and discover new paths of growth. FUD, Fear Uncertainty, and Doubt plague those new to the thought of Dialysis. They lose sight of or never envision the thousands of other mere mortals who have successfully scaled the dialysis mountain.
- Shedding the old self: Personal transformation requires a shedding of old identities, beliefs, and behaviors that no longer serve one’s growth. This can be a challenging and uncomfortable process, as it often involves stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and reevaluating deeply ingrained patterns. By metaphorically “dying” to the old self, individuals create space for personal evolution and the emergence of a more authentic and fulfilling way of living. My experience in researching the dialysis forums is that those new to the concept of dialysis do not and often cannot see their way clear to a new life in which dialysis is often at the center. Rather than ask what can’t I do anymore, ask why not and what can I do.
- Embracing impermanence: The concept also highlights the transient nature of life. It reminds us that everything is impermanent, including our own existence. By acknowledging the impermanence of life, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the experiences we encounter. This awareness can motivate us to make the most of our time, pursue our passions, and nurture meaningful connections with others. Even saddled with dialysis, it behooves us to “seize the moment.”
- “Seize the moment” comes from “Carpe diem,” a Latin phrase coined by the Roman poet Horace in 23 BCE.
- In his work Odes, Horace says, “carpe diem quam minimum credula postero,” which literally means, “pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the next one.”
- Translation? To seize the moment can mean many things! Things like:
- ∙ Expressing gratitude for the present — for your life, the lives of others, and all the good in this world
- ∙ Saying “yes” to good opportunities that come your way
- ∙ Embracing your inner power, and creating opportunities of your own
- ∙ Going after your goals, even when you’re afraid
- Overcoming attachment: Attachment to people, possessions, or outcomes can create emotional dependence and restrict personal growth. Being prepared to let go of attachments allows individuals to cultivate a sense of inner freedom and resilience. It liberates them from the fear of loss and empowers them to live fully in the present moment, without being weighed down by the past or anxiously fixated on the future.
- Embracing mortality as a catalyst for living: Recognizing the inevitability of death can serve as a powerful catalyst for embracing life’s possibilities and living with intention. Contemplating the finite nature of existence can evoke a sense of urgency to make the most of every moment, pursue meaningful goals, and prioritize what truly matters. It encourages individuals to align their actions with their values and aspirations, leading to a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
In summary, the concept “You have to be prepared to die before you can live” invites us to embrace change, face our fears, let go of attachments, and fully engage with the transient nature of life. By metaphorically dying to old selves and embracing the impermanence of existence, we open ourselves up to personal growth, authenticity, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of the present moment.
And that boys and girls, applies more than equally to those of us on dialysis! Never ring the bell! (Poe AI assisted in the writing of this blog with the Prompt captured in the lead graphic.)
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