Witnessing Death: A Spiritual Reminder to Truly Live

Today I witnessed something that few people ever see so directly. I sat with a man as he took his final breaths. I didn’t know him well. We barely exchanged words. Yet in that moment, I was face-to-face with one of life’s deepest truths: death is not an end, but a passage.

As a hospice nurse, I’ve seen many patients in their final stages. My role is to provide comfort, care, and presence to both the patient and their family. But this time was different. I was there for the transition itself—the very moment when a soul leaves the body. And in witnessing that passage, I was reminded of something profound: your life is not to be taken for granted.

Death as a Gateway

When I watch someone take their last breath, I don’t just see a body shutting down. I see a being returning to the greater whole—the collective consciousness, the universe, God. Every life is an expression of God’s intention, a unique experience created so that the divine could know itself in a new way. When that experience ends, it doesn’t vanish. It returns to the Source, adding its wisdom and energy back to the infinite.

You are one of those expressions. You are here because God desired to experience life through you. That means your passions, your desires, and your purpose are not random—they are the prophecy you are meant to fulfill.

The Urgency of Purpose

We often believe we have time. Decades, maybe even a century. But the truth is you don’t know how much time you have. Death strips away the illusion of endless tomorrows. What remains is the urgency to live today with intention.

Your purpose is revealed through your desires. Some may feel shallow or material at first—money, success, recognition—but each one is a gateway. Follow them and they will guide you toward deeper desires, toward the truest expression of who you are. Don’t second-guess them. Don’t dismiss them. They are the map.

More Than Gratitude

Every time I witness death, I feel gratitude for my own life. But this time, I realized gratitude is not enough. Respecting life requires action. It requires alignment. It requires you to stop wasting time scrolling, numbing, or living for someone else’s expectations.

Your presence here matters. Your life is not small. You are chosen for something great—something only you can bring into existence. The signs are already around you: your thoughts, your dreams, the things you can’t stop thinking about. Those are your clues. Follow them.

A Stranger’s Lesson

The man I watched pass today lived a vibrant life, but when it came time for his departure, only a handful of people were near. And in the final moment, I—a stranger—was the one by his side. That in itself was a lesson. You never know the impact you will have on someone, or the impact they will have on you. Sometimes, even in silence, someone becomes a teacher.

Take Ownership of Your Life

So here is the truth: tomorrow is not promised. All you have is this moment. That means you must stop waiting for the million dollars to show up before you live like you’re abundant. Stop waiting for the partner before you love yourself fully. Stop waiting for perfect health before you walk in strength.

Embodiment is the key. Don’t reach for your desires. Don’t chase them. Become them. Live them now. That is how you collapse time and create a life of joy, alignment, and fulfillment.

Final Reflection

Death is not the opposite of life. It is a reminder of how precious life is. You are here to embody your passions, to honor your desires, to live as your authentic self. When your time comes to transition, you want to leave knowing you lived fully—not half-asleep, not waiting, not settling.

This life is yours. Take ownership. Live it boldly. And let no one else define what that should look like.

Peace and abundance always.

Dr. Abundant