Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
The new year is the perfect time for critical conversations about death.
Each January, we look ahead with renewed hope. We set intentions, make plans, and commit to living a little better than we did before. But as we write lists about fitness, organization, and personal growth, one very important resolution is often overlooked — preparing ourselves and our loved ones for life’s most impactful transition: death.
It may not be a typical New Year’s goal, but having these conversations can ensure peace, clarity, and comfort better than almost anything else we can resolve to accomplish.
Why don’t we talk about death?
Talking about the end of life is something most of us delay. It feels distant until the moment it is upon us, and thinking about it makes us uncomfortable, as if discussing it somehow invites it closer. We don’t want to imagine a world without someone we love (or ourselves) in it; so we distract ourselves with other things, until the inevitability of death forces us to make decisions we aren’t prepared for. When choices must be made in a crisis, chaos and trauma can quickly take the lead.
There is a different path.
One of the most impactful gifts we can give ourselves and one another is the courage to start early, honest conversations about our wishes as we approach death, and what we want to happen once we die. These conversations go far beyond medical decisions. They include conversations about:
- What ‘quality of life’ means
- Who we want by our side
- Where we want to be
- What brings us comfort or peace
- What fears or hopes shape how we want to be cared for
Planning ahead doesn’t bring the end sooner. In fact, it gives us more time with each other — free of worry, uncertainty and fear. It provides a map to family and friends, allowing them to settle into life and say goodbye to you, confident that they will be able to deal with every detail when the time comes.
Last, but perhaps most importantly, planning ahead empowers you to live with intention — today, tomorrow, and in every moment that follows until you die — secure in the knowledge that you will not leave chaos behind you when you go.
You are not alone.
Every new year is filled with countless unknowns and possibilities, but you don’t have to navigate these conversations or cope with death alone. The team at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy understands that the families, caregivers, and loved ones of a dying person carry an immense weight of fear, grief, and urgent decision-making, and we are here to support you with advance care planning, palliative care, hospice care, and grief support.
This year and every year, we are committed to helping our community live their best lives—one conversation, one moment, and one connection at a time.
This year (and every year), we are committed to continuing our work in this wonderful community, and helping people live their best lives — one conversation, one moment, and one connection at a time.
Connect with us to begin planning for death today, so you can enjoy every tomorrow.
Website: TCCBestLife.org
Email: info@TCCBestLife.org
Phone: 509-783-7416
Follow Tri-Cities Chaplaincy on Facebook or Instagram @tricitieschaplaincy, or visit TCCBestLife.org to learn more.
