It is important that we come to terms with our own death. Unless we do, we will limit our ability to assist and understand those who are dying and those grieving the death of a loved one. Accepting your death will help ease your fears and enable you to offer more peace and comfort to those struggling with death and loss.

Coming to terms with your own death also puts life in perspective, says Dr. Jo Turner, a family and consumer economics professor at the University of Florida and a former Extension program specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

"You see more clearly what's important and what's not. As a result, you are likely to focus on values and goals close to your heart," Turner says.

Everyone needs to make peace with death. Take some time alone to ponder several or all of the following items. Go slowly, so you can consider the questions in a heartfelt way. You may even want to write your answers. Then discuss your responses with a good friend or loved one.

• If you discovered you were going to die later today, would you make any phone calls? To whom? What would you say?

• Do you believe in God or another higher power or in a vision that lends purpose and meaning to your life?

• Do you have a philosophy of life? On why we exist?

• Are you willing, given the limited time available to you, to say what's on your mind? To do what you think is important? To stop hiding behind pretensions and facades and be the real you?

• What things are most important to you? Does the way you use time and set priorities reflect your most deeply held values?

• Would you like to make changes in the way you live routinely?

• Can you imagine your own death and write an obituary that expresses how you would like to be remembered?

• Do you sense in your most important relationships any unfinished business? A troubled relationship you would like to heal? Loved ones to whom you might better express your feelings? Someone to whom you want to apologize or express thanks?

• Does the thought of your own death frighten you, or are you at peace with the idea? What do you believe happens after death? What could you do to better prepare yourself for dying?

• What do you like best about your life? Consider how you are blessed. Ponder opportunities you might want to pursue.

Use death to enrich life. Lawrence LaShan, author of Cancer as Turning Point, believes each of us has a dream that burns brighter than all the rest. Sometimes this dream is known as a "passion." Those who have the courage to follow their hearts live healthier, richer lives, LeShan says. He suggests a three-part exercise as a way of exploring and perhaps living your dream or passion.

Imagine that six months from now, your outward life -- the work you do, the place you live, the person or people with whom you live, and the way you spend your time -- can be exactly the way you want it. Describe your ideal, outward life.

Then, think about your ideal inner life. Six months from now, what attitudes, gifts and abilities would you like to have acquired, developed or strengthened?

And lastly, consider your responses to the first two items. What efforts have you made recently to realize these things? What elements of your personality make such changes difficult? How might you overcome these internal obstacles?

When properly understood, death becomes an exquisite teacher, throwing life into sharp perspective and encouraging us to achieve our fullest potential. Death reminds us our time is limited, that it is important not to put off those things we value most, and that each moment is a fresh and precious opportunity.