One Day, You Will Die, Die, Die

[DISCLAIMER]

During my senior year of high school, I sat in a home economics class. Seated next to me was a girl to whom I’ll refer as “J.V.” She made a poor attempt to conceal a Walkman under her Starter jacket, as I could hear hip hop music emitted from her headphones.

“What’re you listening to?” I asked. “B.O.N.E. [also known as Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, better known simply as Bone Thugs],” J.V. responded. “What? Who? Bone? Never heard of ‘em,” I stated. With an expression of disbelief on her face, J.V. shook her head.

“I thought you were down. Ain’t you supposed to a Crip or some shit?” J.V. stated, “c’mere, listen to this.” From the 1995 album E. 1999 Eternal, J.V. was playing “Die Die Die” which featured a sample of “Breakthrough” by Isaac Hayes. 

Lyricists from Bone Thugs rapped so fast that I could barely make out what they were saying, though I understood “die, die, die.” After a moment or two, I said to J.V., “Look, I never said I was a Crip. I’m friends with some LOCs and Sureños. Don’t get it twisted.”

I continued, “Now, what is this I’m listenin’ to?” J.V. laughed and replied, “It’s B.O.N.E.! What are you, deaf? Are you retarded? I done told you!” J.V. and I didn’t speak all too often, though when we did, our conversation was usually riddled with causal insults. I liked her irreverence.

Thinking back to when J.V. introduced me to the music of Bone Thugs, I recognize that the particular moment is lost in time. It can never be relived. Much like the first song I recall hearing from the popular hip hop act, the present will eventually “Die Die Die” and become the past.

Contemplating a relatively brief psychoeducational lesson regarding that moment in time, I think of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). In specific, I’m reminded of the impermanence and uncertainty of life which is addressed through use of unconditional acceptance (UA).

The technique of UA acknowledges that the past is passed, and is forever unalterable. For instance, I can no sooner revive my late stepmom who died in 2020 than I can recover a moment that transpired five minutes ago. Like my stepmom, the past is no longer accessible.

Of course, use of UA isn’t meant to serve as a circumstance about which one uses irrational beliefs to self-disturb. Rather, proper use of UA affords one the ability to accept truth – the fact that one day, you will die, die, die. (That instance could even occur today!)

Before that moment is at hand, what will you do in order to lead a well-lived life? Personally, daily practice of REBT guides me in the present and toward the future in this regard. As such, I’m ready to die, as I’ve lived well. Since you will one day die, perhaps REBT can help you, too.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit, fair use

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