About this quote

A quick, absurd image can take the power out of a giant fear and make it manageable. Laughing at the idea of death as something hiding behind a cloak gives you a mental edge: you stop being overwhelmed and start thinking. Try saying a ridiculous thought out loud when dread hits; that tiny move often loosens tension and clears space to act. It won't remove the hard parts, but it can help you catch your breath and choose a next step.

When to use it

• At the oncology waiting room I said, Death's got an Invisibility Cloak? and the small laugh from my sister made it easier to ask the nurse the next question.
• During a late-night study group we were arguing about mortality and one of us quoted, Death's got an Invisibility Cloak? to break the heaviness and get us back to work.
• Before a risky rock-climbing lead, my climbing partner joked, Death's got an Invisibility Cloak? and that ridiculous line cut the fear enough for me to clip in and climb.
• In a tense family meeting about wills, someone muttered, Death's got an Invisibility Cloak? and the room relaxed enough to talk specifics without everything getting emotional.