What does it take to be ready and at peace when you reach the end of life? Here are some thoughts on how to prepare.
In this episode we’ll take a look at what you need to do to prepare for the future, particularly the end of life. You’ll find out how to BE Ready for whatever life brings your way!
ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Roadmap for End-of-Life Planning Course is finally available! Click here to learn more.
This 4-module course is like having your own personal consultation with an end-of-life physician (me!) who guides you through completing your paperwork one step at a time!
Check it out!
This podcast is sponsored through the EOLU donation page at Patreon.com/eolu. By contributing just $1 or $2 per month you can help support the podcast and the End-of-Life University Interview Series. If you become a supporter I will happily promote your book, website, cause or organization on a future episode of the podcast! THANK YOU to my latest patron Sylvie and to all current patrons!!
IN THE NEWS:
- Facebook announces it will offer employees up to 20 days of paid bereavement leave and 6 weeks of paid leave to care for an ill loved one.
- A study done by U of Colorado Anschutz showed that oncologists are reluctant to have conversations with patients about their prognosis and patients seem equally unwilling to discuss the difficult facts about their diagnosis. This demonstrates the need for better preparation for the end of life BEFORE the onset of a life-limiting illness.
Change Happens: How to be Prepared for the Ultimate Transition
What steps should you take now to be fully prepared for later life? I like to break them down into 3 categories: Paperwork, People, and Purpose.
Here are some suggestions for your own preparations:
- Paperwork:
- Make sure you have completed an estate plan and/or will to protect your financial assets
- Appoint someone to be your financial power of attorney AND a separate person as your medical power of attorney
- Complete your advance directive (or living will)
- Plan for your funeral and burial
- Gather important documents, account numbers, passwords, etc. into on file where they will be accessible in the future (Check out the BE Ready Checklist for a list of all these documents you should gather)
2. People:
- Tie up “loose ends” in your life by practicing forgiveness
- Make amends with the people closest to you
- Say “I love you” whenever you have the opportunity
- Talk with your loved ones about your healthcare wishes
- Talk with your doctors (and also spiritual advisor or attorney if relevant) about your end-of-life wishes
- Be prepared to care for an ill or dying loved one at home if that should become necessary
3. Purpose:
- Think about your own sense of meaning and purpose in life–are you living life fully in each moment?
- Practice being present in the moment by taking up mindfulness or using deep breathing
- Recognize that your purpose is not really something you hope to accomplish in the future; it lies in how you live your life each moment
- Face your fear of death so that you can fully prepare and then relax and enjoy all that your life offers to you
Click here to download the End-of-Life Preparedness Assessment to see if you are ready!
Tune in every Monday for a new episode. Until the next time, remember:
Face Your Fears. BE Ready. Love Your Life.
