End-of-Life Planning
Planning designed to help you thoughtfully prepare for the future while empowering you to live more fully now
What is end-of-life planning?
End-of-life planning is a thoughtful and empowering process of reflecting on, discussing, making decisions about, documenting, and sharing your wishes for the end of your life. It's about ensuring your preferences are known and honored, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
This comprehensive planning includes:
Selecting someone to make decisions for you if there comes a time when you cannot.
Clearly outlining your wishes for medical treatment, such as life support, resuscitation, and pain management.
Deciding what you want for your funeral or memorial services and how you'd like your life to be celebrated and honored.
Expressing your preferences for what you would like to happen to your body.
Compiling important information and documents related to the administrative aspects of your life, making things easier for those you leave behind.
Why do end-of-life planning?
Engaging in end-of-life planning offers profound benefits:
You can have the death you want. By clearly articulating your wishes, you increase the likelihood that your end-of-life journey will align with your values and desires.
It makes things easier and less stressful for your loved ones during a time of grief. When your wishes are documented, your family can focus on mourning and healing rather than making difficult decisions under pressure.
Cultivating intimacy with your own mortality often leads to a deeper appreciation for life now. Understanding and preparing for the end can inspire you to live more fully, intentionally, and joyfully in the present.
I’m still young and healthy. Why should I do end-of-life planning?
Planning for your future death is one of the most effective ways to ensure you are living fully now.
Think of end-of-life planning like getting a fire extinguisher. You're not expecting your house to burn down tomorrow, but you have one just in case. It’s that same kind of peace of mind.
By taking the time to clarify your wishes—for your healthcare, your legacy, and the administrative side of your life—you're not inviting death. Instead, you're giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind.
This process removes the burden of making difficult decisions from your family during a time of grief. More importantly, it allows you to reflect on what truly matters to you, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and intention to your life today. It’s a proactive, life-affirming act, not a morbid one.