I recently read an article about this “Write Your Own Obituary” subject from an online columnist I frequent weekly. Hal Becker is usually a sales trainer in the business world, but in this case he stepped into being a life coach. I recently gave his column topic more thought (don’t ask me why…I think I’m still healthy and I am not anticipating an unfortunate nor early demise any time soon), and gave it (my obituary) a try.

Talk about a tough assignment- one that is subject to writer’s block, debate, and opinion. Holy Moly Cow!

Now what I won’t do is bore any of you with the details of my own illusions (or delusions) of my life lived, but I will challenge you to take heed of your own, and live it like you want your obituary to read. I think we all have been to funerals in large churches that have standing room only during the service…that’s a life well lived for sure.

Becker touches on four primary measurements of life: Husband, Wife, or Significant Other, Parents, Friends, Occupation. In working through my obit writing, I’ve given these topics due and diligent thought. My conclusion is that he (Becker) has probably captured the main topics for writing a good life summary. One could add Religion, Philanthropy, Attitude, and Life Philosophy, but they all seem to become subtitles, or at least descriptors, of Becker’s identified life measurements.

In writing monents of solitude and comtemplation, I found, and continue to find myself re-reading quotes from two of my favorite authors – Mark Twain and Will Rogers. Living an honest and respectful life; trying not to dwell on the lows; relish the high moments; is becoming more and more apparent as the way to go, at least for me.

I hope someone will remember me, when the day comes, as a common sense, trustworthy fellow with a nice sense of wit, wisdom, and humor…at least that’s what I’m trying to achieve with this life. Rest assured, I am well aware of my personal shortcomings, but feel free to point those out just in case I have yet to fully acknowledge them (but try to be tactful if possible – I don’t want to become an emotional wreck or take on another personality shortcoming through the blog rebuttal process).  if I don’t get those traits fixed in time, I can only hope they can be somehow eulogized positively – assuming I will be eulogized – to the same degree of humor, decency, sarcasm, and pranksterness I’ve managed thus far in 36+14 years.

OK, not to worry yuze guys: I haven’t gotten too soft or sentimental. I still think college football reigns in the entertainment world of my life; joking with FD, FS, FNe’s, FNi’s, FB’s, FIL’s, Dad, and friends is still looked upon as a responsiblity of my father-uncle-son-friend life; working with passion rather than with a sour attitude is more fun in the occupational life; blog writing, photography, tending my sorry landscape are worth doing in the leisure life; and so on and yada, yada, yada….

If your interested, Hal Becker’s article is: You can learn alot about life by writing your own obituary.

And I leave this posting this way:

“Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” Will Rogers

“We are all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can.” Will Rogers

“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. ” Mark Twain

“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.” Mark Twain

“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.” Mark Twain

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