A Tale of Life, Laughter, and Legacy
Hello, dear readers! Today, let's dive into a topic that might make you raise an eyebrow or two –– writing your own obituary. Yes, your obituary. Now, before you click away thinking I've lost my mind, hear me out!
Have you ever thought about it? Writing your own obituary? You might think it's morbid, but I assure you, it's far from it. It's actually quite a fun, empowering, and surprisingly liberating experience!
Why Write Your Own Obituary?
Well, who knows your life better than you? Who could weave tales of your adventures, your accomplishments, your passions, and your quirks better than the person who lived them? As your own biographer, you get to highlight the moments that matter most to you. And let's be honest, wouldn't you rather be the author of your own narrative than leave it to a certain Cousin Jenny who still believes you have three cats, even though you're deathly allergic?
My Journey Writing My Own Obituary
When I first decided to write my obituary, I sat down with a cup of coffee (and a slice of a week-old chocolate cake), pondering the highlights of my life. I realized this was not just a chance to document my existence but to reflect on my journey and celebrate my victories ––both big and small.
Did I mention that time I accidentally dyed my hair green before a big presentation? Absolutely! It's a testament to my ability to laugh at myself. Do I talk about that trip to Italy where I got lost and ended up having the best pizza of my life in a tiny, nondescript shop? Of course! It shows my love for travel and serendipitous adventures.
The Fun of Self-Reflection
Writing your own obituary isn't just about the big stuff –– it's about the small, delicious details that make up the fabric of your life. It's about your favorite books, your go-to karaoke songs, your guilty pleasures, and even your pet peeves. It's a celebration of you in all your glorious, messy, wonderful complexity.
Remember that time you stayed up all night to finish a project, fueled only by coffee and determination? Or when you rescued that stray dog and gave it a loving home? Or that unforgettable dinner party where you burnt the roast, but everyone had a great time anyway? All these moments and memories shape you. They are your legacy.
A Toast to Life
In essence, writing your own obituary is like raising a glass to life. It's a toast to the past, a nod to the present, and a wink to the future. It's about acknowledging the road you've traveled, appreciating where you stand today, and recognizing the uncertain yet exciting potential of what lies ahead.
So, dear readers, I challenge you to grab a pen (or open a new Google doc) and start writing your obituary. Make it fun, make it genuine, make it you. And remember, this isn't a gloomy assignment –– it's a celebration of your life, penned by the best possible author –– you!
Until next time, keep living, keep laughing, and keep writing your own story!
Here's mine, by the way. I live mostly on Twitter, so I want mine to be published on my timeline.
In Loving Memory of a Master Wordsmith and Beloved Twitter Nobody
@justcastellon, a novelist, has left behind a legacy of words and wisdom that will continue to inspire and engage for generations to come. Known for her wit, her passion for romantic scenes, and her ability to weave stories from the threads of everyday life. She was a beacon of inspiration for budding literary enthusiasts.
Born in an era before Twitter, she seamlessly adapted to the digital age, bringing her distinctive voice to the social media platform from the time Jack Dorsey founded it until Elon Musk's acquisition. More than just a content observer, she was an active participant in the dynamic world of online conversations, always prepared with a witty remark, a word of encouragement, or insightful commentary. Her tweets were an eclectic mix of humor, wisdom, and delightful surprises, making her followers eagerly anticipate each new post. Known for tweeting about marketing tips, book reviews, poetry, and snippets of life, @justcastellon also had a love for music from Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins, The Thrills, and Interpol, all of which featured on her Spotify writing playlists.
Not only a writer, @justcastellon also mentored many aspiring authors, generously imparting her knowledge and experiences. She once collaborated with a fellow Twitter user to co-author a romantic novel despite never having met him in person. She had the unique gift of taking the musings of her Twitter friends or the embarrassing tales of her enemies and immortalizing them in her novels, demonstrating her innate ability to connect with people and make them feel seen and heard. Her interactions on Twitter were not merely about broadcasting thoughts but about nurturing a community of readers, writers, thinkers, and dreamers.
After her passing, @justcastellon's Twitter feed stands as a testament to her spirit - a virtual monument to her love for language and people. The absence of her daily musings will be deeply felt by her followers and loved ones, but she leaves behind a treasure trove of tweets, each one reflecting her vibrant, sometimes quirky personality.
As we mourn the loss of @justcastellon, let us also celebrate her life and the indelible mark she's left on the world of literature and the hearts of her Twitter family. To quote one of her own tweets, "We need to read more so we can write more. Because in the end, we are our stories." What a beautiful story @justcastellon has penned for herself and her readers, leaving us all richer for being a part of it.
In lieu of flowers, @justcastellon requested that we continue to tell our stories, express ourselves, and connect with one another. As we remember @justcastellon, let us honor her memory by keeping the conversation flowing, one tweet at a time.
Justine Castellon is a brand strategist with an innate ability to weave compelling narratives. She seamlessly blends her professional insight with her passion for literature. She writes about her journey as writer in between peotry and short stories. She is the author of two novels –– Four Seasons and The Last Snowfall.
(Twitter/X @justcastellon)
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