The Importance of End of Life Planning
In the words of Haruki Murakami,
"Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it."
Death is an inevitable part of life, yet many of us avoid discussing it or planning for it. However, planning ahead for your future, including your inevitable death, can change how you die and how you live now, and for the rest of your life. In this blog post, I discuss the importance of end-of-life planning, how it can help you and your loved ones prepare for the future and even have fun in the process!
Acknowledging Death as Part of Life
This involves exploring your beliefs and feelings about death, as well as your values and priorities in life. By examining these aspects of your life, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and what matters most to you. This knowledge can then inform your end-of-life planning and ensure that your wishes are respected and fulfilled. Whether you have days or years to live, this inquiry led exploration may leave you feeling lighter and more open to embrace your life and live to the fullest.
Leaving a Legacy
The definition of “Legacy” is something that is passed on. Legacy can take many forms. A Legacy may be of your faith, ethics, and core values. A Legacy may be monetary or your assets, and, a Legacy may come from your reputation and the life you led – setting an example for others and to guide their futures. Everyone has a story and something to share.
Leaving your legacy involves reflecting on the impact you have had on others and how you want to be remembered by your friends, family, and community. This can include creating legacy letters, writing love letters to those you care about, writing your life story, and documenting your family history.
Advance Care Planning
Consider the practical steps you can take to prepare for your death. Advance care planning means having discussions with family and friends, especially your Substitute Decision Maker, the person who will speak for you when you cannot. This includes creating a will, making funeral or celebration of life decisions, and deciding on your end-of-life care preferences. Home funeral? Virtual Celebration of Life? Water cremation or green burial? There are many decisions to make prior to a time that you are unable to make them.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are not left with difficult decisions to make during a time of grief.
Conclusion
Planning for the end of your life can be a difficult and emotional process, but it is an important one. By taking the time to explore your beliefs, values, and priorities, and then designing a plan, you can ensure that your wishes are respected, and your loved ones are prepared for the future.
At Live and Die Wise, I offer a nature-led, heart-centered approach to end-of-life planning and education to help guide you through this process. You can start by downloading Willow's FREE, '5 Steps to Successful End Of Life Conversations' Worksheet.
If you’d like to speak with me, please Book a 30-minute call or Zoom, to learn more about how I can help you plan for a more meaningful life experience!
