Soul at Heart Doula
A Gentle Path Forward: Your First Steps in End-of-Life Planning.
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Thinking about the end of life isn’t about dwelling on death; it’s about building a legacy, honoring the life you’ve lived, and sharing wisdom and clarity with your loved ones. This checklist is just a starting point. Take it one breath and one step at a time.
The Essentials (Peace of Mind)
- [ ] Identify your advocates: Select a Healthcare Proxy to make medical decisions on your behalf, and appoint a Power of Attorney to manage your finances.
- [ ] Formalize your Advance Directive: Document your wishes regarding medical interventions and comfort care.
- [ ] Complete a Medical Emergency Information Sheet: List your blood type, medications, organ donor status, DNR instructions. (See our fill-and-print In Case of Emergency Form under User Forms and Sign-in drop down menu.) Put a copy on your refrigerator and one in your binder.
- [ ] Organize “The Binder”: Gather essential documents (Will, Insurance, house deeds, passwords) into one accessible place. Then tell your chosen representative where it is physically located.
The Heart-Work (Connection & Legacy)
- [ ] The “Final Messages” List: Identify who you want to receive a final message or “Last Words” letter.
- [ ] Is There a Reconciliation You Seek: Is there someone with whom you have lost touch, whether intentional or not. Are you seeking to make amends or tie-up loose ends.
- [ ] Legacy Projects: Is there a story you want told, a photo album to curate, or a special family recipe to record?
- [ ] Special Bequeaths: What special items do you want to pass down personally, small and sentimental items not typically in a formal Will.
- [ ] Values-Based EOL Wishes: Define what “comfort” looks like to you (e.g., the recliner by the fireplace, favorite music, the knitted throw your grandmother made, the lavender sachet that reminds you of your sister, sitting by the garden, name a loving caregiver for a dog or cat).
The Practicalities (Final Arrangements)
- [ ] Disposition Wishes: Have you considered your preference for burial, cremation, or natural alternatives? Have you chosen an officiant who knows your tone and personality or have you considered having a living end-of-life celebration? Such celebrations are becoming more prevalent.
- [ ] The Obituary/Life Story: Who would you like to speak for you? Make notes of the key milestones and “soul-traits” you want included in your story. It is not uncommon today for people to write their own obituary or life summary–let the final words be spoken (read) in your voice.
Closing Thought: If this feels like too much, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to help you navigate every box on this list. Ready for a slightly deeper dive? Navigate to Page 2 at the link below.
Guidance for the soul. Clarity for the journey.
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