General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

"Do you think that death is the complete end or do you think there is something beyond it?"

I believe there is something beyond death, but my biggest fear about death is leaving behind all I know now: this earthly life, 'me' as I know 'me', and all my loved ones. My real experience of others' deaths is missing them not being here in person anymore.

About whether we exist in some way when we die doesn't worry me - I don't know anything about my existance or lack of it before my life began and that doesn't frighten me. When I sleep and then wake it doesn't concern me that I have been conciously unaware of anything while I slept. It certainly doesn't out me off going to sleep again - it's part of being human, as is death.

What we can do while we're alive is be there for others and give them the best of ourselves - that way we might still live on in their hearts after our death and 'guide' them 'in spirit', even if we don't actually exist as a spirit. I believe wholeheartedly that my loved ones who have died are still here with me - even if it is just the loving imprint they made on me while alive.

Believing in an afterlife and a God are two very distinct things to me. I had a CofE upbringing and still go to church - I think many of the manmade religious ceremonies are daft, and the church hierarchies have power which is nothing to do with people's faith. I do feel at home in my local church though, I enjoy singing the hymns and listening to the sermons, but I actively listen with an open mind and decide for myself what lesson I take from them. I believe in the moral values Jesus stood for and was willing to die for - loving others as yourself is a worthwhile challenge to me.

I don't know if I believe a God exists, but I pray religiously - even if my doubt is strong I can't stop - praying for others is part of me and I think it's a positive action.
I cherish and wonder at worldly things all around me - my family, my children, other people, animals, nature.. even if there isn't a God I love so many things about life. I don't want to leave it quite yet.