Thoughtpic: Before I Die I Want To...

I have always been observant with the most minute details. 

My attention and gaze can be shifted quickly depending on the situation and the environment I'm in. Whether a book cover that's being read by an office guy in the train, or the fancy restaurant sign on the street that I find amusing. 

I especially try to keep my eyes peeled for street arts or graffiti. London has tons of them, and not all are necessarily Banksy's.

There's this particular alleyway in Borough Market that is entirely unique and eye-catching. It seems like a random 'freedom wall', but starts with a thought-provoking line: 'Before I die I want to...'

Here are some of the writings on the wall at that day:

'...live with no regrets.'

'...visit New York.'

'...pay Stuart back.'

'...fall in love for real...'

'...see the Northern Lights...'

'...learn to relax.'

Here's hoping Stuart will be able to get what's his due soon.

What's more interesting is how this project started. Upon checking the details, I have come across the website of the creator, an artist named Candy Chang. Here is the story, as directly from the site:

Interactive public art project that invites people to share their personal aspirations in public space. After losing someone she loved and falling into depression, Chang created this experiment on an abandoned house in her neighborhood to create an anonymous place to help restore perspective and share intimately with her neighbors while remaining an introvert. Meant as a singular experiment, the project gained global attention and thanks to passionate people around the world, over 500 Before I Die walls have been created in over 70 countries, including Kazakhstan, Iraq, Haiti, China, Ukraine, Portugal, Japan, Denmark, Argentina, and South Africa. The Before I Die book is a celebration of these walls and the stories behind them. 

Sometimes death is such a painful reminder of things, people and lives. Everything that we have now can be meaningless once our time is up. So right now, ask yourself what you want before you die.

Reflect on your life.

It doesn't always have to be a gargantuan task like changing the world or saving lives. It could start as something small and simple, like realising that life needs to be lived. You could be saving somebody's life by sharing your life story.

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