Is this a healthy attitude?
-If it's something you always say as an affirmation, then maybe. If it's something that you've said (out loud) and out of step with your normal behavior then it might be construed as a little strange.
Why did some not understand the sentiment?
See above.
Does it really take guts?
To live authentically, yes. To live in the face of danger and on the brink of death, I'd say no. That's just borderline stupid IMO.
What did I even mean by this?
Who knows? You said it.
I'm just as lost as ever, but I still feel this way. What am I looking for?
I have no idea, what are you looking for?
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When I was in college, I had this primal existential drive that lead me to take a few chances. I was fueled by the prospect of death. In one's early 20's I think that's when we get our first glimpse into our own mortality. That we are, in fact, capable of dying and ought to live life, free of our false notion of security from death.
I think it's important to use whatever motivators you need to fuel your own creative/productive drive. But you need to understand what it exactly is, and you can really only do that through some study and self reflection.