Some lovely flowers …

And the Guernsey post box in Pride colours brightens up the corner of town that the Post Office has returned to…

My saying today is very cheerful ‘life is hard and then you die’.
The saying "Life is hard, and then you die" is a common expression reflecting a bleak, yet sometimes relatable, view of life's challenges and inevitable end. While it doesn't have a single, traceable origin, it encapsulates a sentiment often found in various cultural and philosophical discussions about mortality and the human experience.
Here's a breakdown of what makes this saying resonate:
Simplicity and Bluntness:
The phrase is striking in its directness. It doesn't mince words about the difficulties of life or the finality of death.
Universal Appeal:
The idea that life involves suffering and hardship is a widely shared human experience. This universality contributes to the saying's resonance.
Existential Undercurrent:
The saying touches on existential themes of meaning, purpose, and the human condition in the face of mortality. It prompts reflection on how to navigate life's challenges and find meaning amidst suffering.
Variations and Echoes:
Similar sentiments can be found in various philosophical and literary works. Goodreads lists quotes from writers like David Gerrold ("Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.") and Michael Murphy ("Life is tough, then you die."). These variations often highlight the same bleak, but ultimately unavoidable, reality.

A Counterpoint to Idealised Views:
The saying can be seen as a counterpoint to more romanticised or optimistic views of life. It acknowledges the difficult realities many people face and the eventual end that awaits everyone.
While the exact origin of the phrase is unclear, its prevalence in casual conversation and its presence in different cultural contexts suggests a long-standing recognition of life's inherent challenges and the inevitability of death.