Death is something I think about often. Every day to be honest. I always reflect and ask myself, “If today is the day I’m going to die, would I welcome it?” And on good days, the answer is “Yep, I’m ready to die today” and on not so great days, the answer is, “I could do with a few more sleeps”. Upside down thinking I hear you whisper…okay, now before you jump to conclusions and start worrying, let me calm you down and explain what I mean.

Death is probably the one guarantee we have in our lives. We know we’re all going to face it at some stage (at the end for those who believe that there’s nothing more after death; and at an interval for those who believe in life after death). In Mexico, there’s a celebration called The Day of the Dead (any guesses on where I want to go?) and its origins are based on Aztec beliefs in which death is not to be mourned because a person’s spirit is believed to still be with us. Death should be celebrated. On the good days when I’m accepting of death, it’s because I feel like I’ve accomplished what I need to or I’ve fulfilled some part of my life and I’m complete. On the not so good days… well…I need a few more days to complete myself.

When I listened to this Ted Talk by Candy Chang called, “Before I die I want to…” I got it immediately. Yes! That’s how death motivates me! This talk is only 6 minutes short (Can you tell how I’m not letting you use time as an excuse?) but what is said is powerful. Death gives you perspective and given that it is the one guarantee we have during our lifetime we shouldn’t avoid it. We should embrace it and use it as something that drives us to achieve what we want. Life is short. Why spend it being unhappy?

Imagine sharing what you’d love to accomplish before you die with others? With those around you? That’s what this talk is about. Imagine putting your dreams in writing and seeing it become a reality? That’s what this talk is about.

“Two of the most valuable things we have are time and our relationships with other people. In our age of increasing distractions it’s more important now than ever to find ways to maintain perspective and remember that life is brief and tender. Death is something we’re often discouraged to talk about or even think about but I’ve realised that preparing for death is one of the most empowering things you can do. Thinking about death can clarify your life.” – Candy Chang.

How can you use death to clarify your life?