“Let us see to it that the recollection of those whom we have lost becomes a pleasant memory to us.” — Seneca
Losing someone we love is among life’s most painful experiences, but grief isn’t something we should try to suppress or ignore. And heartbreak can’t just be flicked away with armchair philosophy or eloquent words.
One way to prepare for grief in advance, though, is by asking yourself a simple question: “If I were gone, how would I want them to remember me?”
Would you want your memory to invoke sadness and pity, making everyone dwell on your bad luck or the pains you suffered?
Or would you rather they were reminded of the joys you experienced, instead, and felt cheerful every time they thought of you?
It might not be possible at first, but try to give others the same thing you would want. Focus on remembering their joys, and let thoughts of them inspire only happiness.