Verity Lush: Tying up loose ends can be a cathartic process

A week or so ago, my husband and I were discussing David Bowie.

This was prior to his death, and linked to his 69th birthday, his new album release, and because we are fans of the film, The Prestige.

Bowie starred in The Prestige and played the role of Nikola Tesla. There was something magnetic about Bowie on-screen, whether acting or singing, and his passing seems, in some ways, like the death of an era. An era that spawned more ground-breaking, maverick and iconic legends than any since.

Justin Beiber may have microscopically upped his game recently, but there-in lies the problem; it’s just a game. He is no legend.

The fact that Bowie died within 48 hours after his 69th birthday, which was also the chosen release date for what will be his final album, seems all the more poignant.

And leads me to believe that sometimes, the human spirit manages to battle against, and control, whatever is trying to kill the body.

Often in life, we hear of someone passing away at what seems like a ‘perfect’ moment. It is unthinkable as humans that there is such a thing, and that this is not an oxymoron, but seeing as death is inevitable, and it simply must happen, surely some moments are preferable to others?

It also suggests that where loose ends exist in life, humans fail to flourish.

And where loose ends have been tied and cut, we automatically feel more at rest and soothed in spirit. Perhaps, therefore, this is something that we should try and carry forwards in our as much of our lives as we are able.

Perhaps you are sat reading this now, and you know that there is something you’ve been meaning to say to somebody, some message to pass on.

This could be something that will cause happiness, or something that will make somebody laugh, or make their life easier. It may be something you’ve been meaning to say or do for a while, but simply haven’t got around to.

Alternatively, it could be something that is difficult to do and that you’ve subsequently been avoiding, but that, once done, you will feel all the better for.

Acts like this can be cathartic and, once the initial difficulty is faced, leave us feeling a large load lighter.

On this note, I’d like to thank a reader of my column, Debbie, who sent me an incredibly thoughtful card recently.

You know who you are.

Verity Lush is a 38-year-old mum-of-two who lives in Portsmouth.

She is a tutor in philosophy, English and maths and has written a book for newly-qualified teachers, plus textbooks and articles for teaching magazines and supplements.