Thanatology is a class that has interested me in so many different ways. The speakers that have come in have enhanced my knowledge about other religions and what they think death means to them and how they deal with it. It has opened my eyes to view death extremely different. I am not as afraid of the thought of death like I used to be. It was something that, like most people, I would try to act as if death didn't exist and never really wanted to talk about the subject at all. Slowly I have learned that it is just part of life and you have to accept it no matter what. The readings have led to actually read a whole book because I am so caught up in the story. The writings have allowed me to break out of my shell and freely write whatever pops up in my head. After reading Tuesdays with Morrie has made look out on life differently as a whole; not just about death but all the other important things in life such as love, compassion, and the meaning of life. Its a class everyone should take because its more than just the subject of death and dying, it goes way beyond to other important aspects in life.

“Be compassionate to yourself and others, to love yourself and others, and to take responsibility for yourself and others.”

I am a compassionate person. I take pride and joy in what I do and how I experience things with others. Everyone including myself only live once, so we all must make the best of it. Why do I need it though? I need it because it makes me work hard and do my best. With a sense of my own compassion I am able to give it to others. I cherish the time I spend with family and friends, even my favorite hobbies. Isn’t that what compassion is? I think so. For me to love others I have to accept myself and love who I am first. In my life right now I am becoming for acceptable and loving with myself, it’s in my eyes the only way to stay happy. Loving others like family is just as important. There is no limit to how many kisses, hugs and laughs to give out to the people you love the most right? Love in my life doesn’t have a boundary and it’s the happiest feeling anyone could ask for. Love is the most important thing in life. How would I be if I didn’t take responsibility? I would have a careless, unappreciative lookout on life. But is that way to live? I don’t think so. I am responsible for my actions, what I say, and for doing what is important to me in life. There is also a sense where I take responsibility as a way of protection and comfort for another person. Taking that type of responsibility shows too love and compassion.