Before I die I want to ________. I was first introduced to the power/ challenge of this sentence at a TEDx conference. When we challenge ourselves and our communities, it is amazing how we come together and create. This was the original TED talk that was the inspiration for the board at our local TEDx conference:
And, this was what happened at the TEDx Conference:
I found that it was very hard for me to commit to writing on the board, as there were so many things I wanted to say. Before I die I want to get my doctorate. Before I die I want to make a difference. Before I die I want to live life to the fullest. Before I die I want to know I have made one person’s life happier. Before I die I want to….. I could write a list that would fill pages, others struggle to come up with one answer. This exercise really is a challenge and it is beautiful to watch it develop and grow.
Today, 60 days ’til 40, I ask you – my readers – to fill in the blanks with me. “Before I die I want to ___________”
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
Michele
December 23, 2012 at 00:15
Live! Okay, seriously? I have a list of about a thousand books to read a hundred places to travel and twenty languages to learn. Wish I didn’t have to work… I’d have more time!!
From my iPhone. In French it’s from my je phone!
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 00:22
Me too!!! 🙂
The Wisdom of Life
December 23, 2012 at 01:16
to leave the place a little better than I found it.
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 16:45
🙂
Stefanie Neumann
December 23, 2012 at 02:28
…live out all the potentials that are moving my heart, take that experience in fully and enjoy it. For me, that is not so much about special activities or results but rather a deep feeling of fulfillment beyond trivial satisfaction – like, fulfilling and thereby sharing those potentials in love with the world gives me a fulfilling experience, too.
Basically that means to live in the moment, follow my inner guidance and let life surprise me, I guess.
Hope, that makes sense…
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 16:45
This makes perfect sense!
Ray Laskowitz
December 23, 2012 at 02:39
I live in New Orleans. I know that building. Thank you. — Ray
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 16:44
Thank you! How wonderful that you know the building – if you are ever near it, please snap a photo for me! 🙂
Another Thousand Words
December 23, 2012 at 04:20
Before I die…hmmm, almost did that earlier this past year, and since, I have been free to live every day to its fullest! Though I get tired, and live with way too much pain, at the end of each day, I can say I’m satisfied that “I did as much as and more than I thought possible today!”…it’s a great feeling, 400!
To Michele (above): My mantra, which I made up some 12 yrs ago, is:
“Take time to make time, and make time to take time!”
It works! (Or maybe not, if one would rather be a ‘couch potato’ or just idle away their days?)
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 16:43
I like the mantra a lot!
knitxpressions
December 23, 2012 at 08:40
Before I die, I want to live life to its fullest. I was a little surprised to see your photos of the ‘Before I die,________’ board because I recently came back from a trip up to Geraldton, Western Australia and hubby and I saw this as an artwork on the wall of a building down an alleyway. =)
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 16:42
Wow, that is great – I think many cities have replicated the original!
Julie
December 23, 2012 at 12:53
Be aware of all that already am.
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 16:42
I like this!
Crystal
December 23, 2012 at 14:56
I had to chuckle at the person that said before he died he wanted to “have an iPhone”. Not to knock anyone’s dreams but that’s the best he could come up with?
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 16:42
Yes, I agree completely! I suppose some people just cannot allow themselves to go into deeper places – I think it is really scary for some people.
The Quiet Borderline (back in hospital)
December 23, 2012 at 20:13
Before I die, I want to live 😉
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 20:35
Me too!!!
simon7banks
December 23, 2012 at 20:34
Go to the toilet? Do up my shoelace? Discover the secret of everlasting life? Choices, choices.
400daystil40
December 23, 2012 at 20:35
!!! 🙂
walkwiththerabbi
December 24, 2012 at 02:29
Give away a significant amount of money to people and organizations that have a concrete and effective plan to change our world for the better. They simply need the underwriting.
400daystil40
December 24, 2012 at 22:44
🙂
offdachainandouttadabox
December 24, 2012 at 02:43
break the bonds of conformity and transform the future of my family.
400daystil40
December 24, 2012 at 22:44
Yes!