People are taking better care of themselves, medical breakthroughs are continuing to occur … and in general lives are getting longer.
We’re also getting busier, it seems. There are more activities and responsibilities tugging at us. We’re doing our best to pack more life into every year.
These facts don’t remove the importance of end-of-life planning and the impact it can have on our loved ones. Maybe even more than before, it’s important to have these conversations sooner rather than later, so everyone is on the same page when the time comes. Even when the planning is done in advance, making the final decisions can be extremely painful; knowing for sure that we’re doing what our loved one wanted can ease some of that pain. And while having the conversations when everyone involved is still healthy won’t make those conversations happy, it WILL go a long way toward ensuring that everyone is comfortable and emotions don’t take over.
There are many resources for people who want to take care of their arrangements in advance and if necessary, most organizations offer assistance in understanding the steps involved. There is also information on other aspects of end-of-life, including healthcare, finances, communication, and how to deal with memories.
On a recent podcast, I talked with Kim Medici Shelquist, who works with the Love Always Project. This organization grew from an observed need to help people in their time of greatest emotional pain. Not only does the Project offer to help in planning end-of-life activities, but they also offer a community where individuals can find solace in shared experiences and get support from others who have been in similar situations. Sometimes, avoiding the topic of death can be paralyzing; finding someone to relate to can help you navigate the waters and get you back on your way to leading a fulfilling life.
Life is a journey that brings both positive and negative experiences, but the way we approach those experiences determines the way we live our lives.
I believe it is essential to confront challenges head-on rather than avoiding them for a short-term reprieve. Although shying away from uncomfortable tasks and situations may seem bearable, it hinders growth and prevents us from evolving through experience.
There will probably be many times throughout your life that cause you to wish you’d taken a different route, made a different remark, or chosen option B instead of option A. However, when it comes to end-of-life decisions, there is no room for regret.
Preparing for these decisions shows great love and empathy for the well-being of our families. By taking the time to sort out your own end-of-life arrangements, you can ensure that your loved ones aren’t left with the burden of making these decisions. Encouraging loved ones to make these arrangements in advance also shows that we care about their wishes.
Emotions may cause turmoil during difficult times, but having decisions made in advance can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety for everyone involved.
