The Wise Old Man on the Deathbed

Take away the morbidity of the mention of death and look at what we can gain by hurling ourselves forward to the end of our days and making decisions from there. That’s right, the wise old codger on the deathbed is you.

Most people who know me will have heard me say this before… it’s one of my favourites. Stuff like “I know that when I’m on my death bed I won’t look back and think I wish I’d have been miserable more often”.

This is a smart way to operate when it comes to dealing with emotions and making decisions. What would that dying fella say to you if you asked him, “do you wish you’d spent more time being angry?” or “do you wish you’d have smoked a bit more?” or “do you wish you’d have spent more time counting all the things you hate?”

I get the feeling you’d get called something not dissimilar to a right muppet or maybe a moron. And that would be you speaking from a better, wiser vantage point. Listen to that older more experienced you. Whether you like it or not, your current self pales in comparison to that geezer. You’re stupid compared to older wiser you, no offence. How much wiser do you feel now than ten years ago though? Twenty years ago? (Don’t know how old you are so I’ll leave that there). That under-educated, under-experienced baby you look back on is the present you to your even more grown-upper self.

As far as I’m concerned, this could easily be one of the most useful tools you could ever have in the box when it comes to creating happiness in your life. Next time you’re landed with a decision that the old guy could answer better than you, ask him. Next time you’re in a bad mood, get a quick consultation from the old sod and watch him put you straight.

So the question is “When I’m on my deathbed, will I look back and think I wish I would have…………?”

Do the old man a favour, he’s counting on you.