Why Talking About Death Matters 

Talking about death isn’t exactly the best ice breaker in the world, but it’s certainly great at helping people open up and talk about issues not normally brought up in everyday conversation. 

Human beings are self-aware in knowing life is finite, but surprisingly little time is spent talking about it; why is that? 

There can be many reasons, such as fear, avoiding drama with family members or even just simple procrastination. 

It’s a conversation everybody will eventually have, so let’s talk about a few reasons why you should get started sooner rather than waiting till later. 

Talking About Death Is Often Ignored

It’s very easy for talking about death to be dismissed as something not relevant today or to be discussed at a later time. 

Excuses are commonly made, ‘why should I spend my time talking about death when I have XYZ on my plate now?’ 

It’s understandable why, it can be a difficult subject for someone not used to it. 

Opening up scenarios in one’s mind regarding losing family members, making tough choices or agreeing financial settlements can put anyone off the topic. 

Which is why the default position is, for most people, to sort it out later… when it’s the right time.

But when is the right time? 

The right time will always be now, in the present. 

So why take the risk in waiting, after all what happens if you’re no longer here to discuss your plans?

At the heart of this issue are a couple of things. 

Taking things for granted is the first, believing there will always be tomorrow to get things sorted. 

And second, a lack of urgency, a laissez-faire approach of letting things be what will be. 

The way to fix this is to get talking. 

Talking to friends, families and even work colleagues. 

Opening up the conversation removes the stigma.

Removing the stigma allows more people to add their input, leading to better transparency of the subject growing. 

More transparency leads to better ideas and better ideas leads to progress. Start today and leave the delaying to the past. 

Reducing Stress When Talking About Death

When was the last time you got something off your chest? 

How did you feel afterwards? 

Did you feel a load of responsibility was lifted? 

In its most basic description, stress is the fear of the unknown. Or the feeling of helplessness when something is out of your control. 

What happens when you don’t plan for the future? Stress. 

And at the heart of talking about death and reducing stress is planning. 

Planning for what life will look like after death. 

Making a list of all the necessary actions that need to be done before then. 

Preparing for all possible outcomes, relieving anxiety for yourself and loved ones. 

Put it like this….. would you feel relieved knowing that the financial burden of your funeral costs had already been arranged so your loved ones wouldn’t have to lift the bill? 

Or, on a more serious matter, if you were ever in a position that you were not able to think rationally, would it not be best that your power of attorney was already agreed and finalised with your input? 

Talking about life after death, the scenarios which may occur and the action plans in dealing with such, helps remove anxiety and clears the mind of any negative feelings.  

If you’re someone – or you know someone – that is delaying talking about death because it looks scary, just know that you’re not alone.

Talking about it with others will help solve any conflicting messages you – or someone else – may have. 

Interested in getting your End Of Life Plan created?

If you’d like to learn more about End of Life planning,  visit here: Before I Go Method