By this point, you’ve either accepted that you’re going to die, or you’re trying to convince yourself that none of this even matters. Well, those who avoid accepting their own mortality often report a lower quality in life. So, yes, accepting that you’re going to die is essential.

Some of you may be wondering why it’s important or how to even accept your own mortality. And because we know it may be a difficult thing to process, we are here to help you with it.

First off, read the following sentence aloud ten times:

“I am going to die, and that is okay.”

Taste the words in your mouth. Feel the meaning. Let it sink into the deepest parts of your mind. Think about how important it is for you to understand this core concept. How essential it is.

Have you accepted it yet? If not, keep repeating that sentence. Repeat that sentence as long as it takes you. Repeat it in the classroom. Repeat it while riding the bus. Repeat it in the shower.

After a while, the words will become second nature. When that happens, you will no longer need to repeat them. The words will become a part of you. The words will become your new truth.

And that, my friends, is the first step towards accepting your inevitable death.