To state the obvious, you are going to die. In fact everyone you know be it lover, family, friend or foe is going to let go the mortal coil.

It may sound morbid to say such a thing. It may even be terrifying to consider the end. Indeed it’s abundantly apparent that many prefer the dubious comfort of avoiding such a thought.

Death is however a fact of our life and facing this fact is an important opportunity. The truth will set you free.

Some religious traditions say that if you live well you will exist again in some heavenly form, and if you live badly you will find your post mortal existence in less sumptuous circumstances. Some suggest that no matter what you do you will come back to this mortal plane to do the whole thing all over again.

These ideas have been accused of being platitudes designed to consolidate power in the institution of religion. I think this existential position is a little cynical. Perhaps the religious expressions do get confused with worldly politics however they invite an important consideration.

If you think about the impending fact of death in order to motivate an evaluation about how you live, then each breath you take might become more productive through each moment of your life.

As with all situations this consideration requires that you think for yourself. Obeying another’s directives is contrary to uncovering your own. There is likely no rules about what way is right, but there will be some clear currents that are correct for you.

Facing the ultimate fear, where all you are and have worked towards is inaccessible, puts all the more mundane fears you hold on to into a different perspective. Often this kind of fundamental consideration will mean doing the things you see as being of value sooner than later.

So think of the things that you’d be pleased and proud to have done by the end of your time then get onto them at once. Don’t wait for a funeral to wear your best suit, put it on every day of the week.

Martin Hunter Jones is an honorary life member of the Australian Counselling Association. He has a practice on the Northern Beaches. Phone 9973 4997.