Let us eat cake and talk about death
I started a virtual Death Cafe shortly after starting my practice. I discontinued after a about a year due to other obligations, but I’m starting them again. I will host another community Death Cafe-style virtual event on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 PM ET. It is free and open to anyone, and the conversations can be about anything that you feel you need to talk about. Holding these conversations by Zoom allows everyone to participate and gives us all a sense of togetherness, but if you’re not ready to share with strangers, I’m available for private chats as well. I’m still looking for a location to do an in-person event locally where I can also livestream for those who want to attend remotely. A few people have asked about Instagram or Facebook Live, but those venues don’t facilitate conversations between each other, which is the benefit and foundation of a Death Cafe. I also am available in my private group Solace Sanctuary if people would feel more comfortable carrying on discussions or continuing discussion that way. It is a safe and sacred space where anyone can talk about death, dying, aging, grief and other “big” life and death stuff.
Embrace Joy: Hunt for Happiness Week and Holistic Health
Hunt for Happiness Week is a time to embrace joy, positivity, and gratitude to improve holistic health. By engaging in activities that bring joy, cultivating emotional balance, and fostering social connections, individuals can boost mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This pursuit of happiness extends to spiritual fulfillment, encouraging reflection on values and a sense of purpose. Join the celebration and become an ambassador of joy, spreading warmth and light throughout the week and beyond.
The Tradition of National Wreaths Across America
Saturday was National Wreaths Across America. I donated a wreath and spent some time at the National Cemetery in New Albany last weekend in honor of the occasion. National Wreaths Across America is a heartfelt and patriotic tradition that takes place annually, bringing communities together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served in every branch of the United States Armed Forces. This poignant event, marked by the laying of wreaths on the graves of veterans, symbolizes gratitude, remembrance, and a collective commitment to never forget the sacrifices made for freedom, but I believe it can be a wonderful opportunity to honor and remember our own beloved deceased loved ones, whether or not they were veterans.
Tips for visiting a loved one who’s being cared for at home this holiday season
Are you visiting someone being cared for by member of your family during this holiday season? Don’t be a jerk. Here’s some etiquette for your visit. First things first: I can promise you the person(s) providing care is trying their very best. I can promise you, they are making themselves sick, they feel guilty, they […]
Celebrate National Family Stories Month: Capturing the Wisdom of Our Elders
Hey, y’all! I’m happy to be back sharing on the blog today. Can you believe it’s already November?! November is so much more than pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters, although those are two of my very favorite things. November commemorates Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness, Family Caregivers, Gratitude, Home Care and Hospice, Life Writing, Long-Term Care […]
The American Healthcare System and End of Life Care
Hey there, folks! Today, let’s talk about something that’s been a topic of discussion for quite a while – the good ol’ American healthcare system. Now, we’re all familiar with the infamous saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But when it comes to the US healthcare system, it seems like the saying might need a little tweaking – “If it’s broke, let’s talk about fixing it!”
Preparing for Peace of Mind: Quit Making Excuses and Start Making Plans
While three-quarters of us believe having our final wishes in writing is important, only a third of us, mostly motivated by major and painful transitions such as the ones above, actually complete our end of life plans and paperwork. Why do so few of us take care of this vitally important need? I asked my friends, strangers who are fellow Gen X, middle-aged women and past clients for their feedback, and I’m sharing it in the blog today.
The Unseen Plight of Caregivers
Most caregivers provide support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, walking, standing, using the toilet, dressing, cooking, eating and other household chores. The caregiver also provide care for a broad range of issues – chronic, disabling or terminal illness, physical or mental illness and decline – and often as the caregiver and the person being cared for age the care required intensifies. From more simple daily tasks, caregivers may also need to assist with more complicated and complex medical care such as giving injections, or facilitating tube feedings, and care for catheters or colostomies. All of this caregiving taxes the caregiver’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. We’re going to talk about “Caregiver Syndrome” today and explain how it impacts those around us with some eye-opening statistics and insights from experts.
National Tattoo Day
It’s National Tattoo Day.
Do you have any special or memorial tattoos. I’d love to see and hear the stories of them. Some of our inked art holds deep personal meaning, and serves as beautiful reminders of loved ones who have left an indelible mark on our lives.
Memorial tattoos are a unique way to keep cherished memories close. Each one tells a story of love, loss, and the enduring connection we hold with those we miss. We have a permanent reminder to keep our loved one close to us in our thoughts to inspire and guide us.
Are our families ready to care for our aging population?
An overwhelming majority, three-quarters, of respondents think that it is a natural duty of children to care for their parents as they age. (Although only 58% of those who are aged 65+ believe their children have a duty to care for them.) Almost as many people who stated they believed it was a child’s duty to take care of their parents – 71% – reported they wanted to die at home. (It is assumed from the natural decline of old age.)
