Writing a Eulogy for a funeral can be incredibly simple, enlightening, or saddening. It is about feeling the deceased’s energy and getting to know them and the legacy they have left behind. Your eulogy tells of your accomplishments and how you approached life. If you died today, what would your eulogy say? What would you like for it to say? Today, I challenge you to write your own eulogy. In fact, I am challenging you to write two. Then, take your Eulogy concepts and create a Bucket List that will catapult or renew your vigor for life.

Set aside an hour of your time to write about you. You do not have to be exceptionally lyrical. There are guidelines that you should follow though. Write about you in the past tense as if you have departed the Earth. Write about your accomplishments, the things you want people to know about you. Tell the truth, and think of things that may surprise at least half of your audience. Mention the things that they may not know already. Write about the moments in life that meant the most to you. Highlight your approach to life, whether you have taken life by storm or you have crept through, peeking around corners, being extra careful. Talk about your favorite relationships and your funniest moments. Mention the plans you had in store for the rest of your life and make note of your most challenging moment.

Next, set aside another hour and write your Eulogy the way you would like it to be read after you have lived more than 100 years. Let’s call it the Eulogy of Your Dreams. Write about the things you would like to have accomplished. Write about how you would like to have affected your family, your friends, and the world. Write out the perspective you would like others to have about your approach to life. Mention whether you are outgoing, reserved, intelligent, fit, sharp, or a methodical and brilliant artist. Talk about awards you hope to receive, and places you desire to go.

Finally, give yourself at least 24 hours before you compare the two Eulogies. Make note of the differences between them. Based on your original Eulogy, is it easy to see that you are on a path moving toward the Eulogy of your dreams? If not, you may have just discovered the most important clue to your Bucket List.

Grab the ideas from your Eulogy of Your Dreams and start a plan. As usual, begin with the Bucket List. Then, take small steps first. Plan to tackle the list items that will be easiest. Next, make initial plans for researching or booking the other ideas. No matter what it is add it. Today there is no fear. Maybe your Bucket List requires you to return to school at the age of 50. It happens all of the time. Add it to your list and start looking into the best opportunities for you.

Sometimes we have to look toward death to determine how we want to live life. A Eulogy might be the perfect tool to set you on your path.