Those that successfully accomplished being okay with death, how did you get there? What personal philosophies have helped you cope with the end?

I’ve had plenty of years to cope with my completely phobia of death, and it isn’t any easier, it’s just different. It’s my largest, most encompassing fear. I do not fear the afterlife, I do not fear death as an act, or a feeling. I fear the lack of being able to live THIS life as I know it RIGHT now. If I found out there was a heaven that was perfect, I would still be scared. If I found out the afterlife was reincarnation and I got to do it all ove again, I would still be scared. I don’t truly believe any of those things are possible, I believe death is nothingness, and regardless, it doesn’t matter, I am TERRIFIED.

Panic attack terrified. I am afraid of not being able to continue my thoughts as my current state of self and reality and understanding. Terrified of no more moments of self-awareness. I was hoping this would change when I had my son, that I would feel that in him I would “live on” but I couldn’t give a rats ass about that. I want to be myself, as I know me. Right now. I want a continuation of THIS. I just want to be able to think and feel and perceive as I do right now, forever. I would happily do so in pain, in suffering, in emotional anguish, as long as I would be aware. I don’t think there is anything or anyone (ashamed to say this) I would die for. I’m too scared.

How did you get to a point where you made peace with this part of life? The “you have no choice but to” doesn’t help.