The REAL Circle of Life

when actual death makes room for the miracle of life

Death is not only the great equalizer of life, but it’s also what keeps us humble.

It brings us back together and reminds us of what truly matters.

Both death and birth serve as the ultimate rites of passage, marking our transitions from one world to the next. Though, the darkness of the womb is much different from the darkness of the tomb.

We are all slowly dying—and living—every day, making choices about what we care about and who we want to share these precious moments with.

I’ve never appreciated the preciousness of life more than I do right now.

I met my baby niece when she was only 10 days old, and I fell in love. I’ve never felt so connected to another soul, and it has made me even more excited to become a mom and welcome our little light in the next two months!

While visiting my sister, brother-in-law, and baby niece in Santa Fe, NM, my 88-year-old Texan grandfather was dying —

I’d wake up and walk over to my sister’s house to see her and the baby in the mornings, laughing and crying with joy as this little one looked up at me. A newborn is truly one of the most innocent and awe-inspiring beings!

A few hours later, my mom, husband, aunt, and I would drive 10 minutes to say our goodbyes to my grandad. We could all sense life slipping away from him, hour by hour. He didn’t have to hold on any longer because his great-granddaughter had made it safely to the world.

The day before he passed, we brought the baby to see him. We held her up to his window, and my husband helped him turn so he could look at her. After a few attempts to get his attention, he finally locked eyes with her.

We all cried, uncontrollably, together. It was heartbreaking and beautiful all at once.

One incredible thing about this experience was that it brought my family together for the first time in four years. For the past few years, my aunt, mom, and grandmother couldn’t bear to be in the same room, but they set aside their differences to be there for each other. It was truly miraculous!

In this exceptional moment—where new life came easily because an elder let go and made space for her—I am left in awe of the mysteries and synchronicities of life.

There is nothing more important than making peace with who we are right now, finding gratitude, reverence, and joy in what we have, in every moment, because it’s all a precious miracle.

It’s about letting go of the petty things that keep us up at night, thinking they give life meaning.

It’s about learning to forgive those who’ve hurt us, knowing they may never apologize, and realizing that holding onto resentment only harms us in the long run.

It’s about not relying solely on accomplishments, successes, or perceived failures to define our purpose.

It’s about seeking challenge and growth, so we can reach our fullest potential in each season of life.

It’s about being the bigger person, coming from a place of abundant love and inner work, so we can show up for each other selflessly.

It’s about setting our own issues aside, and refocusing on our values, priorities, and the goodness of others.

As we navigate the reality of death, we’re reminded that every moment, every relationship, and every breath is a gift. The cycles of life, from birth to passing, invite us to reflect on what matters: love, connection, surrender, and growth. We are not defined by our past, or what we do, but by our capacity to embrace the present with open hearts and minds. So, let us cherish these fleeting moments, hold one another with compassion, and remember that, in the end, it’s the love we give and receive that makes this delightfully surprising journey meaningful.

Life is short, but its beauty is infinite—if only we choose to remain open enough to see it.

Through the veneration of beauty, we become illuminated.

I’d love to hear from you! What is your experience with death and birth? How has it affected your perspective as you age, and what has it opened up for you in your life? How has this inevitable reality scared or shaped you?

^a photo of my sister as a baby with our grandad and a photo of 10-day old baby girl getting her first bath!

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Sending loads of love and warmth your way!!!

Love, Empress Wen (@abundantflirt)