Walaikumasalaam
Jazahka Allah for reminder and you're absolutely right - we SHOULD take advantage of being alive and prepare for this month in sha Allah.
“The month of Ramadhaan in which the Qur’an was revealed, guidance for people and clearproofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever is present for the month let him fast through it.Anyone ill or on a journey (who does not fast) should make up an equal number days (outsideRamadhaan). Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you so that you completethe period and glorify Allah for what he guided you and perhaps you will be grateful”. [Surah al‐Baqarah, Ayah 185]
In these ayat from the Qur’an Allah ʹazza wa jall tells us the importance of the month ofRamadhaan. One of the greatest favours he has given us is the Qur’an a guide and criterionbetween right and wrong.Ramadhaan is a month of mercy and blessings for the believers. It is a season for worship,generosity and kindness. It is an occasion to become closer to Allah and strengthen therelationship with him. There are plenty of opportunities to please Allah ʹazza wa jall. Ramadhaanis the month to revive and strengthen Eemaan, our Eemaan increases and decreases. The sign ofstrong Eemaan is the amount of worship one does. The doors of mercy are wide open and thedoors of Allah’s punishment are firmly closed. The forces of evil, shayateen are chained up.Nothing stands between us and success except our following of desires..
Abu Hurayrah radhiAllahu `anhu narrated that Allah’s Messenger sallAllahu `alayhi wa sallam said,
“When Ramadhaan comes the doors of Jannah are firmly opened and the doors of the fire are firmly closed and the shayateen are chained.” (al‐Bukhari and Muslim) :D
If you wish to read more please visit:-
http://www.kalamullah.com/Books/Ramadhaan.pdf (RAMADHAAN PREPARATION PACK)