On Near Death Experiences

Turtle: You know, Hare, there's something I've been thinking about. People always say near-death experiences change you forever. But do they really?

Hare: What do you mean?

Turtle: Well, remember when Hedgehog fell into the river trying to grab that raspberry? I happened to be swimming by and managed to get him to shore. He promised he'd be more careful.

Hare: And?

Turtle: Just the other day, I caught him trying to grab a blackberry that fell in the very same river. It's like nothing ever happened. And that's what I mean about near-death experiences. Any lesson or insight just ends up fading away. And you're right back to where you started.

Hare: Hmm, I don't know, Turtle. I get what you're saying, but I think there's something there. Even if it’s just a small change. I feel you can't go through something like ALMOST DYING and not be different somehow.

Turtle: Have I told you about my near-death experience?

Hare: No, but I'm DYING to hear about it!

Turtle: When I was a hatchling, my siblings and I were exploring a cove. The waves were strong, but I thought it'd be fine to wade in a little. I was immediately swept up and pushed against jagged rocks. I realized I couldn't fight the tide, so I braced for impact. Luckily, the tide slowed just before I hit, and I managed to climb on the rock instead of being slammed into it. I promised myself never to take life for granted again. To be kind to my siblings. To cherish the sand underneath my flippers.

Hare: And?

Turtle: Well, a month later, I was annoyed that my siblings ate my berries. I stopped noticing my surroundings. I was taking stupid risks. The clarity I had when I thought I would be pieces of smashed turtle went away. I fell back into the same routines and habits as I had before. It's like nothing's changed.

Hare: I hear you. You thought things would be permanently different. Maybe it doesn't have to be so black and white. I mean, sure, we fall back sometimes, but I think we also take something forward. It could just be about being a little more aware.

Turtle: But what's the point if it doesn't last? If it fades away day by day?

Hare: I think that’s why we need to keep reminding ourselves. Maybe we can't hold onto EVERYTHING, but if we find just a few little things —something that connects us back to that moment—we can keep it alive.

Turtle: Perhaps. But let’s be honest, those reminders only work if we put in the effort.

Hare: Exactly! Near-death is like a wake-up call, but what we do with it afterward—that’s the real part. That’s where the real growth happens.

Turtle: I suppose all we can do is keep trying, even when it feels like we're getting nowhere. At least then, we're not giving up.

Hare: Exactly! And maybe that’s what really sticks in the end. Not the experience itself, but the choice to keep trying. The effort we put in, every single day—that’s what makes it worthwhile.