What's your Wiki? What's the definition of Billy, or Mel? Stripped down to the barest essentials, what makes you so? Does anything set you apart? What's the red carnation on your tuxedo?
In a decade built by those too scared to be accountable – and, therefore, memorable – how will we remember you? How are you special?
If you're doing CrossFit, that's part of it. Your frame, at least, is different. You're a questioner; a student. A challenger of Gurus, a melter of Sacred Cows. Part of a Tribe that spans the globe, and strongly committed to your own village. An artist: if not a blogger, then a photojournalist, or even an artist with a lifting platform as your canvas. One who measures, and remembers; therefore, one of honour.
James March, an expert on the decision-making process, says that we subconsciously ask ourselves three questions before making any decision with social implications:
Who am I?
What is this situation?
What does someone like me do in this situation?
It's the third one that matters most, and the answer is dependent on the frame. A Weight Watchers member, for example, will approach a salad bar differently than a CrossFitter: "What must I avoid?" is different than, "What do I need first?" A dieter is always a victim, because they're always resisting against an overwhelming force. A CrossFitter, though, proactively eats for fuel. Offense, not defense. A CrossFitter knows that you can't win by trying to hold the contest to a draw. A CrossFitter knows that, sooner or later, you're gonna have to score.
There's a good chance that the person who writes your eulogy will be someone you speak to in the next 24 hours. Do they REALLY know you? Do they know about the hard edge, forged at the anvil of 21-15-9, or just your typing speed? Will they write, "A Wod-fearing man, survived by a Family of 138…." or, "Much loved retail manager, dead at 38. Also for sale: colourful barbell set."
Tell them.