I know, that question can be a bit alarming. It might stir up discomfort or remind you of how little control we have over life. But what if leaning into this discomfort could actually help you live more fully?

Over the weekend, I was reminded with the Facebook memory of when I watched a TEDTalk called “Why thinking about death can help you live a better life” by Death Doula Alua Arthur. (Side Note: A little fact about me is I may not watch a ton of TV or Movies but I love watching Ted Talks and learning new perspectives.) Her message was unexpected and profound. She talks about how she wants to die—not in a sad or tragic way, but in the smallest of details. She plans on wearing socks because her feet always get cold, and she says she’ll haunt anyone who dares put a bra on her when the time comes. But what really struck me was her hope that her loved ones will clap when she’s gone—not out of relief, but because they know she lived her life to the fullest, right up until her last breath.

Arthur’s life work revolves around this question: “What must I do to be at peace with myself, so that I may live presently and die gracefully?” She encourages people to look at their lives through the lens of death—not to dwell on it, but to gain clarity. When you start to consider what kind of legacy you want to leave behind, you’re suddenly more conscious of the life you’re living right now.

What Will Your Legacy Be?

We often think of a legacy as something grand, but Arthur reminds us that we’re leaving one whether we intend to or not. Your legacy isn’t just a list of accomplishments or accolades; it’s the way you live your life. It’s in how you make people feel, the words you speak, the actions you take (or don’t), and the way you treat others every day.

I began reflecting on this in the context of my work. In real estate, for example, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers: closing deals, winning clients, hitting targets. But when the dust settles, people aren’t going to remember how many homes I sold—they’re going to remember how I made them feel during one of the most significant decisions of their lives. Did I listen? Did I make them feel heard? Did I help them navigate the uncertainty with care and compassion?

This idea isn’t just limited to real estate. In social media and business, the same principle applies. In a digital world often criticized for its lack of authenticity, how we show up—how we connect—matters more than ever. You may not realize it, but every post you create, every interaction, every word is leaving a mark. It’s telling your story. Although my posts and videos can often be for a laugh, because I think the world needs more laughter, it’s my heartfelt posts that resonate. I often get messages from people thanking me for sharing something they would never have the bravery to do so. I talk about how mean I am to myself, or that I struggle with my self worth because of how I have been treated or just how I feel I am drowning trying to keep up with societal “norms”. My biggest interactions always seem to come around the major weight loss I have had over the years. Even when I strive to be healthier and lose weight, I share the feelings of “never being enough” online and how I have overcome it.

Living the Legacy, Not Just Leaving It

Arthur’s clients often share regrets—wishing they had more time, more meaning, more memories. But the truth is, we don’t have to wait until we’re near the end to create meaning. We can start right now. Every small moment is a chance to live with more intention and presence.

I don’t think we need some grand, singular purpose to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, our greatest gift is in the everyday moments—the warmth of a child’s laughter, the smile of a friend, or even the joy of finding the perfect home for a family. These small things are what weave together a life that feels rich and full. In the fast-paced world we often find ourselves in—whether navigating transactions, negotiating contracts, or building an online brand—it’s easy to overlook these moments.

But if we pause to reflect, it’s the moments of kindness, of presence, and of connection that will outlast everything else.

Dying to Live

I don’t subscribe to the notion that the moment we’re born, we start dying. Instead, I’m focused on dying to live. I want to live with intention, care, and presence—not because time is running out, but because that’s what truly makes life meaningful. Every interaction, every connection, every decision we make is shaping the legacy we leave behind.

So, as you move forward today, I challenge you to ask yourself: Am I living the kind of life that, when my time comes, my loved ones will clap because they know I lived fully? Are you living in a way that brings meaning, not just to your own life, but to those around you?

In real estate, business, or even the way we interact online, it’s easy to forget the power of connection. But in the end, people won’t remember the numbers—they’ll remember the heart. What are you doing today to leave a legacy of kindness, connection, and presence?

So, do you ever think about dying, not as an end, but as a way to live?