The Epitaph Theory

Well, we’ll all die someday...

Aug 09, 2026

I remember reading this somewhere and it says:

“No one puts their career on their epitaph”.
“No one thinks of their pending deliverables at work while they are on the verge of death”.

Maybe, you also have read this somewhere. Do you know what’s so ironic?

When my Aunt’s Husband died, she was seriously contemplating the three extra letters to be put on the epitaph’s name. For God’s sake, I don’t know what she was thinking. But somehow, I’m glad that she came to her senses.

Can you imagine your profession following you to the other side? Some people truly love the prestige attached to their title.

But can you imagine being at Heaven’s door, looking at St. Peter and you telling him, “Hi, I’m [insert profession title] [Name]” or “Hi, I’m [Name]. I used to be a [insert profession] and then St. Peter would be responding to you like, “Oh hey [Name]! Yea I know. You were the [nth professional to arrive here and you rank [nth] among them all. Hmm, let’s see how well you did on earth…” and that’s when your feet start fidgeting and you can’t look him straight in the eye anymore…

Have you given dying a thought? _{Note: For anyone going through suicidal thoughts, this is not your sign to do it. In fact, this is your wake up call to stay alive.}

Every day, in the news, there is always someone dying. A car crash, a fire, a robbery, a shooting incident, an earthquake, you name it.

Have you? Or have you ever had a near death experience?

Do you recall what was going on in your head?

Did your life flash before you?

What if today is your last day on earth, are you okay with it? Satisfied? Happy? Any regrets? Or things you wish you have done?

Me? I almost died in Siargao. A big wave almost got me at the Rock pool. Luckily someone was able to get me. Otherwise, I would have been a soul for some 3 years now, never knew that substack exists, never would have met the people I met here, never would be writing this now.

Besties, all I’m saying is, we’re all lucky to still be alive even if we don’t feel like living our life right now. Every day is so mundane. Same old. Same old. You may feel stuck, behind, useless - but think again. You could have also died last night in your sleep, but you’re still here.

You know me, I took a break. A really long break. 3 years and counting. Not every day is a happy day. I have plenty of lost days and I-don’t-know-what to-do-days and I-don’t-want-to-do-anything-days and I’d-rather-be-rotting-in bed-days, days that were supposed to feel like luxury but sometimes it’s the least word to describe your day.

My ex-colleagues say I should enjoy my life, they feel “inggit” , especially the married ones because yes while they love their kids they also truly wish they can take a break for themselves. And no, taking a break also isn’t always rainbow and butterflies. Plenty of introspection, of time alone with your thoughts. It will drive you insane sometimes. But what am I saying?

I am saying that someday we will all die but right now we are all alive whether we like it or not so instead of sulking, being pessimistic, and wasting it, why don’t we try to do the opposite? It’s a challenge, I know but can you and I at least give it a try?

There really is no “Epitaph Theory” but life has plenty of theories.

If you look back at your life, what do you think your epitaph will say?

Worth thinking about right?

BY CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR, I hope you feel so much more alive.

As always, this is Ingrid, your now ex-micro-retired but still delulu bestie who will relentlessly trigger you to action to help you make those dreams come true.

PS Something new is coming for the BY CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR MAIL CLUB. Announcement will follow soon. 💌

Be kind and send this to someone. ♥︎

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