This column is inspired by the concepts of dunia —life on this earth from birth to death— and akhirah, the afterlife. It will speak to you as it explores existential truths that all human beings face: joy and sorrow, birth and death, loving oneness and separation, making meaning of painful events, and coping with losses. Choosing a path in life that fits with your worldview becomes necessary to navigate the uncertainty between a beginning and an end that we don’t decree. The first installment, titled “Run by Fear,” tells the story of a young mother who, after achieving professional success and starting a family, is faced with the reality of death. It drives home the importance of being aware, preparing for, and addressing the fact that departure is imminent — it’s not a question of if but when. This poignant narrative offers a fresh perspective on life, its meaning and the decisions we make beyond daily existence. If this were your last day, would you be doing what you are doing?