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    Pre-planning for the end-of-life

    Everyone can benefit from planning ahead, no matter what stage in life you find yourself. This collection of documents, some of which are legally binding, makes your thoughts clear and easy to follow.

    Many will say that putting your end-of-life wishes in place is the last kindness you can offer your loved ones. Which is true. And many will tell you that your anxieties and fears surrounding the last chapter of your life will be lifted when you pre-plan. This is also true. 

    What sets us apart here at The Good Mourning Society, is that we also believe through making these plans - and subsequently becoming more comfortable with our own mortality - you can live a better, more fulfilling life. 


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    Conversation starter decks

    Even the most important conversations need a little help to get started. That's why we created our conversation starter decks. Designed to spark deep, empathetic, and even conversations, these cards are a great way to get the words flowing. Share with friends and loved ones, or use on your own to really explore your own thoughts. 

    1-1 sessions

    People come to end-of-life doulas for lots of reasons, but at the foundation of all of them is one fact; we discuss death and dying without shame or stigma. Maybe you're thinking about a loved one and want to get some advice. Perhaps you have thoughts and concerns of your own. Or it could just be you don't have anyone in your life you feel comfortable talking with about this stuff! We're here to help.

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    Group sessions and events

    The Good Mourning Society also offers group sessions and events, both in person and online. From in-depth advance planning workshops to crafty nights with friends (celebration of life vision boarding anyone??) and living funerals, we approach conversations around death and dying with a little more life than others might. 


    Why should I plan ahead?

    Most charities and organizations will say, "It's the last kindness you can offer your loved ones." Which is true, but here at the GMS, it's not the only truth. 

    Advance planning is typically geared towards those at the end of life, who can see the end coming and are coming to grips with all it involves. It seems like a natural topic to bring up.

    However, hundreds of thousands of people die each year due to unexpected injuries, accidents, or undetected illness. Tens of millions more experience life changing injuries, and we all know age doesn't matter when it comes to accidents. 

    It's good to plan for the unexpected, and it's definitely better to have these things worked out before facing a difficult mental or physical time. But a funny thing happens when you start to think about the end. 

    You feel more alive.

    You savor little things. You treasure fleeting moments you would've zoomed past. You see the uniqueness in others, the humanity. 

    You hold what you value closer, and reject what no longer seems so important. 

    Yes, advancing planning is a kindness to your loved ones. 

    But before that, it's the ultimate gift to yourself. 

    Practical

    Advance plans take multiple sessions to complete, even when you have a clear idea of what you want and don't want. Even one step is a step in the right direction.

    Responsible

    No man is an island, as they say. Your family, friends, pets, clients or anyone else who values you will be grateful you took the time today.

    Personal

    One size does not fit all when it comes to end-of-life planning. Why accept another person's idea of what should happen when you can use your voice now to make sure the real you shines through?

    Kind

    When we face the inevitable together, with compassion and grace and bravery, the ache of loss softens ever so much. Kindness to others, kindness to yourself.


    Who benefits from pre-planning?

    You might have friends or family members you’d like to broach the subject with, but don’t quite know how. Or maybe they’ve tried speaking with you but you tense up, afraid to say the wrong thing. Many of us have aging parents, and we’re worried about all the “what ifs” bouncing around in our minds.

    Or you’re thinking about your own wishes. Planning can be split into two primary categories; the care we want if we’re unable to communicate it for ourselves. When it comes to how we’d like to be cared for, who knows what we like better than ourselves? And we can also put in place what we want to happen after we’re gone. We plan our birthdays, our weddings, our celebrations big and small. Why shouldn’t we take the time to make sure our last hurrah isn’t exactly the way we want? 


    Contact and follow

    Have questions? Looking for services? Want to know more about what all this is about? Get in touch below.

    Email

    TheGoodMourningSociety@gmail.com

    Email

    @GoodMourningSociety

    Email

    @GoodMourningSociety