Get at peace emotionally/spiritually

End of life often raises many emotional and spiritual questions. Many people use this time to look back on their life and find meaning.

However, it can also be a very difficult time for you (or the person you’re planning for) as well as friends and loved ones, and some people experience very difficult emotions in this process. Many people find that reflective exercises, talking to a therapist, or talking to a spiritual leader help them find meaning.

Here are a few reflective exercises for you or the person you’re planning for to consider to help make the most out of life:

  • Think about relationships and friendships, and make an attempt to resolve any unfinished business by reaching out (e.g. apologize, let people know you love them, reconnect with people who are important to you/have influenced you)

  • Consider how your life lines up with your values and priorities

  • Check your “bucket list” and figure out whether there is anything else that it is important to do with the energy and time you have left

  • Consider your spirituality and whether there is anything that would make you feel better

  • Think about how you'd like to be remembered

  • Share memories in conversation or with a legacy project - such as a cookbook, photo album, or video/audio interview

  • Make sure that you get medical care at end of life that lines up with your values. Make sure to discuss your medical wishes with your family and document your medical wishes

You or the person you’re planning for may also benefit from speaking with a therapist or joining a support group with others approaching end of life.

If you or the person you’re planning for don’t like the first therapist or support group, don’t give up! It often takes several tries to find the right therapist or support group.

Some help may also be found through religious affiliation. If you or the person you’re planning for are not already part of a faith community, find one nearby by using the links below. (Note: this list is not intended as a comprehensive guide, but rather as a cross-section of some of the major religions in America.)

Christianity

Find nearby pastors/churches here

Catholicism

Find nearby priests/churches here

Judaism

Find nearby rabbis/synagogues here, here, or here

Buddhism

Find nearby Buddhist monks here

Islam

Find nearby mosques here