Life Lessons from a Funeral Director: Living with Purpose

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2025 — A funeral director has shared poignant insights about life and death, urging people to prioritize what truly matters. In a viral video, she highlights the importance of living fully and making meaningful connections before it’s too late.

“No one on their deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office,'” she stated, echoing a common truth that resonates with many who find themselves caught in the grind of daily work.

The director, identified only as Melissa, emphasizes that her goal is not to frighten people, but to inspire them to reflect on their lives. “Life is fragile, time is short, and love is the only thing that lasts,” she said, urging viewers to be proactive in their relationships. She expressed concern that many people wait for the right moment to connect with loved ones, although that moment may never come.

Each day, approximately 150,000 lives are lost, a statistic Melissa uses to remind her audience of life’s fragility. “Don’t get mad at me; that’s just the fact,” she said. “So call your parents, call your friends, because one day time will just make that choice for you.”

Another lesson she shared is how choices shape our lives. “Sorry, money, status, the perfect image — none of it matters, none of it follows you. Nobody is going to stand over your casket talking about what car you drove,” Melissa pointed out. Many of the individuals she has buried had amassed wealth but had not lived fully. “People at funerals talk about how you made them feel. Choose wisely,” she concluded.

Melissa encouraged a re-framing of the potential darkness in these lessons, claiming it can be liberating. “We only get one go-around at this whole thing. So why aren’t you chasing your wildest dreams?” she questioned.

Addressing those unhappy with their circumstances, she offered two choices: make a change or remain the same. “You hate your job, your relationship, your life? You have two choices,” she said. “Too many people wait for someday, and that someday never came. That doesn’t have to be you.” She emphasized that fear of judgment often prevents individuals from taking risks. “Do the thing. Nobody talks about your excuses at funerals; they talk about what you did.”

Melissa cautioned against the misconception of achieving a ‘perfect’ life. “The truth is, life is hard,” she said. The aim should be to create a life where one does not lose themselves in challenges. Reflecting on seemingly mundane activities, she reminded people that moments they take for granted could be the last time they experience them.

“You may survive longer than others, but don’t take your abilities for granted,” she advised, stressing the importance of living fully while one can. She also added a vital point about fearing death: “It will come regardless; don’t let it prevent you from truly living. Let it be a reminder, not a limitation.”

Melissa’s message is a timely reminder to live with intention and prioritize the connections that truly matter as we navigate the complexities and challenges of life.