Talking about death

The truth is that death can happen to any one of us at any time. Coming to terms with this reality can help you to spend your time more wisely, and to better appreciate what's truly important in life. Acceptance can help you to find the precious in the present moment.

• Making the most of life
• Accepting your mortality

There is a widespread reluctance to discuss dying. It's rarely easy but not impossible. Discussion helps ensure that you and your loved ones receive the right care and support. And ending the silence about death may help to diminish its terrors and lead to improvements in the quality of your life.

• Special report: The Internet and End of Life
• Discussing rethinking accompaniment at the end of life
• Living with terminal bowel cancer
• Breaking the taboo
• Dying well starts with living well

There is a basic uncertainty in the lives of us all. The reality is that without exception we are all going to die. However, it is possible to find grace in this uncertainty, and to live more fully or comfortably with the knowledge that death may be close at hand.

• Dealing with uncertainty
• Life after a brush with death