TRANSITION - noun:
: a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another.
: something that links one state, subject, place, etc. to another
: a connecting part or piece
- Merriam Webster Dictionary
What is Live and Die Wise?
I'm Maria Verdicchio, and I specialize in supporting people in navigating life transitions, including death. I will guide you in connecting with your life, clarifying your priorities, and making informed decisions, so you can live fully in the present.
My goal with end of life planning is to help you gain clarity and effectively communicate your priorities and wishes regarding your health, personal care, legacy, and after-death arrangements. Taking these steps will bring peace of mind and minimize anxiety, regret, and conflict as you approach the end of your life - whenever that may be!
I cover important areas such as:
1. Encouraging open conversations about mortality and the reality of death.
2. Cultivating an appreciation for the limited time we have in life.
3. Increasing self-awareness about your feelings and beliefs regarding life transitions, including death.
4. Helping to identify who and what truly matter to you.
5. Leaving a legacy for loved ones, your community and future generations.
6. Empowering you to plan ahead for your inevitable death and after-death care.
7. Building a sense of connection and social cohesion.
Why should you think about your death?
Whether you're an empty-nester, approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, facing the inevitability of death, or planning to start a family, I'm here to help you navigate the complexities of end-of-life care and ensure that your wishes are respected and honored.
My Personal Journey with Death and Grief
My journey with death and grief began as a child, losing my grandparents and struggling to express the emotions that followed. Over the years, I experienced the death of many friends and family members, witnessing the silence around death and the discomfort it brought. This led me to explore my feelings about death more deeply, and I realized that it mirrors other life transitions—both ask us to face uncertainty and find meaning in change.
Nature became my greatest ally in this exploration.
My experience as a guide in nature began in 1986, leading horseback treks in the Canadian Rockies then in Australia, and later walking tours through the Italian countryside. In these settings, I saw firsthand how nature fosters connection and clarity. Whether guiding executives through the hills of Tuscany or holding space for reflection in the forest, my work has always been inspired by nature’s wisdom.
As a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides in 2018, I’ve learned even more about nature’s cycles of growth, decay, and renewal and how they hold profound lessons for navigating life’s transitions, including death. Nature teaches us to embrace impermanence with grace, to find healing in reciprocity, and to feel connected to something larger than ourselves.
Today, I incorporate those insights into everything I do, helping people embrace life’s changes with resilience, gratitude, and meaning.
A Pragmatic and Compassionate Approach
My life experiences have shaped a pragmatic and compassionate approach to end-of-life planning. I believe in addressing the reality of mortality head-on, providing support and guidance that is both practical and empathetic. I work with individuals and groups, offering both online and in-person sessions and workshops. These sessions are designed to be informative, interactive, and engaging, equipping you with the tools and resources necessary to feel confident and prepared for whatever the future holds.
Inquiry-Based Learning and Compassionate Coaching
At the core of my approach is inquiry-based learning and compassionate coaching. I guide individuals and groups through the exploration of their beliefs and wishes regarding mortality. By encouraging open discussions and reflective practices, I help you uncover what is personally meaningful and important to you. This process is not about imposing a particular viewpoint but rather about facilitating a space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely.
Embracing Mortality to Enhance Life
Death is often seen as a taboo subject, shrouded in fear because it represents the unknown. However, by acknowledging and accepting your mortality, you can gain a deeper understanding of your wishes and beliefs about the end of life. This clarity, rooted in your personal values, can bring a renewed sense of purpose and direction to your life. It allows you to make informed decisions that align with what truly matters to you.
Recognizing the impact your death will have on your loved ones, community, and colleagues can also be a powerful motivator to live a more impactful life. By preparing for the end of life, you are ensuring that your wishes are honored and easing the burden on those you leave behind. This preparation is a profound act of love and consideration, reflecting the care and thoughtfulness you bring to your relationships.
Workshops and Individual Coaching Sessions
My workshops and sessions are structured to meet the unique needs of each participant. Whether you are an individual seeking personal guidance or part of a group looking to explore these topics together, there is a format that will work for you. The sessions include:
Practical Information : Covering the practical aspects of end-of-life planning, including legal documents, healthcare directives, and funeral arrangements.
Interactive Discussions: Creating a safe space for participants to share their thoughts, fears, and questions about death and dying.
Reflective Exercises: Helping you connect with your values and beliefs, and articulate your wishes in a meaningful way.
Resource Sharing: Providing access to a wealth of information and tools to support your end-of-life planning journey.
The Benefits of End-of-Life Planning
Engaging in end-of-life planning offers numerous benefits:
1. Clarity and Peace of Mind: Knowing that your wishes are documented and will be respected provides a sense of control and peace.
2. Enhanced Relationships: Open conversations about mortality can strengthen your connections with loved ones, fostering deeper understanding and support.
3. Empowerment: Being informed and prepared allows you to approach the future with confidence, reducing anxiety about the unknown.
4. Legacy Building: Thoughtful planning ensures that your values and beliefs are reflected in the way you are remembered and celebrated.
Conclusion
In embracing the reality of mortality, you are choosing to live more fully and intentionally. My role is to support you in this journey, providing the guidance and resources needed to make informed decisions and ensure your wishes are honored. Whether you are facing the end of life yourself or supporting someone else through this transition, together we can navigate this profound experience with grace, clarity, and compassion.
By exploring and preparing for the end of life, you are not just planning for a future event; you are making a commitment to live with greater purpose and impact today. Let’s take this journey together, transforming the way we approach death and, in turn, enriching the way we live.
Please book a 15-minute call if you’d like more information, and to see how I can help you, your family, or employees.
Thank you,
Maria
End of Life Educator | Nature & Forest Therapy Guide
Blog Posts
FAQ
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Advance care planning involves making decisions about your future healthcare preferences in the event that you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. It includes documenting your wishes and appointing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney to make medical decisions on your behalf.
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Advance care planning is important because it allows you to maintain control over your medical treatment even if you are unable to communicate your wishes. It ensures that your healthcare preferences are known and respected, reduces the burden on your loved ones who may otherwise have to make difficult decisions, and helps alleviate potential conflicts among family members.
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Several documents are commonly involved in advance care planning. They may include a living will, which outlines your healthcare preferences, a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney, who is authorized to make medical decisions for you, and additional documents like a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, which specifies your preference regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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Because you are going to die, and you don’t know when or how. Unless you’re immortal (?) Significant life events like marriage, having children, or reaching retirement age often prompt individuals to begin considering their end-of-life wishes. Then, it's important to review and update your plan periodically as your circumstances change.
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Lack of control: Without an end-of-life plan, decisions regarding your medical treatment, care, and asset distribution may be left to others, such as family members or medical professionals, who may not know your preferences.
Family disputes: The absence of clear instructions can lead to disagreements among family members regarding your care and the distribution of your assets, potentially causing strain and conflict.
Unwanted interventions: Without specific instructions, you may receive medical treatments that you wouldn't have desired or endure unnecessary suffering.
Emotional burden: The lack of guidance can place a significant emotional burden on your loved ones who are left to make challenging decisions without knowing your wishes.
‘‘I found this very helpful in starting the planning process. Maria was excellent at leading us in a patient, professional and caring way. Very glad to start working on this.”
- K., Workshop participant
“Maria is an excellent facilitator. She explained what to expect, delivered the material with ease and engaged the group’
- B., Workshop participant
Listen to my 6-minute interview with CHIN Radio Ottawa
(Don’t worry, only the introduction is in Italian, then switches to English.)
Navigating Life Transitions
Life is a series of transitions, and acknowledging and preparing for these transitions can greatly impact our overall well-being. Whether it's a joyous occasion like getting married, welcoming a new family member, or achieving a milestone in your career, or a challenging experience like going through a divorce, approaching menopause, or coping with the death of a loved one, each transition carries its own set of emotions and adjustments.
When we approach life transitions with intention and mindfulness, we can make informed decisions that align with our true selves. This not only helps us cope with the challenges that arise but also allows us to embrace the opportunities and joys that come with each new phase of life.
Preparing for life transitions goes beyond just practical considerations; it involves exploring our emotional, spiritual, and personal needs as well. It's about creating a roadmap that guides us through changes and helps us navigate the unknown with a sense of purpose and direction.
Life Transition Ceremonies
Acknowledging and honoring life transitions in a ceremonial way, empowers us to embrace change, live authentically and enter each new chapter of life with confidence and a clear mind.
Whatever your religion or spiritual beliefs, I’ll help you mark important life transitions (including death) by designing and facilitating a ceremony for you or your loved ones.
I meet you at whatever stage of life you’re at, to help you mark transitions in life - pet loss, moving, divorce, menopause, retirement, etc., in order to move into and embrace the next phase of your life.