"3. Explore the unknown: Every year, make a list of things that you fear the most. Then, do something everyday that gets you closer to the unknown factor residing in your fear. Gradually, you will overcome all your fears one by one." from here which has a post about fear.
I guess most people are afraid of dying. It finally makes sense why some people love dangerous activities such as tightrope-walking, mountain climbing and parachuting. It probably brings them closer to accepting death. When they're done with their death-defying stunts they'll plant their feet firmly on the ground and say to themselves, whew! I've survived yet again, and how shall I celebrate this gift of life today? And they proceed to do more things that they enjoy.
It takes some effort to start finding out from ourselves how we would truly like to spend our lives. For one, there is this massive inertia holding us back (come on, what are the chances?).