Simple, Practical Steps to Face Death

Facing death is a practical thing. Imagine if birth was as a ‘taboo’ topic as death is. Mothers would be hiding the fact that they’re pregnant and going to give birth. No one could celebrate the child coming. No one would prepare or think about, “Okay, what are we going to need to have before and after the birth?” There would be no baby showers. Mothers and fathers would not speak about how their lives were about to change and the feelings that came with that. Some people would wonder, “Should I even tell her that she’s going to give birth?” It would be ridiculous! Incredibly, that’s how we treat death.

Death is the only sure thing for all of us

Some people say death and taxes are the only two guaranteed things in life. Death is something 100% of us will experience. If you’re not sure where to begin to face death, here are three simple but practical steps you can take:

• Acknowledge your own death.
  • Everyone before us have died. One day, we will too.
  • Death is inevitable. Might as well prepare for it.
• Prepare for death. This may very well change your whole life.
  • Prepare a will.
  • Fill out your Advanced Care Plan, which is a legal document that clarifies what your wishes are related to your health. This is not just helpful to you but will be of great value to your family members/closest friends if, especially if you suddenly come ill. The death or impending death of a loved one is the most painful thing. Know that having your Advanced Care Plan or ACP in order will help relieve some of your loved ones’ stress when the time comes for you.
  • Live each day like it’s your last. Facing death is not being negative. Facing death is being realistic, and it is reality that life can drastically change at any moment. Say what you need to say. Forgive.
• Talk about death with friends, family and contacts.
  • Often people try to just push death to the background. But if you create a space to talk about death openly and how you feel about it, you are allowing yourself (and others) to begin their journey in preparing for death.
  • Talking about death can help you have the most meaningful discussions you’ll ever have with strangers- and more importantly, family or close friends. I have had some very interesting conversations with people about death.

I hope this helps you prepare for death. Don’t be afraid to face death.