An Introduction

Approximately 7 months ago, I decided I needed to figure out where my next career would take me. I didn’t know what that career would be, but I figured it would utilize all the skills I have built thus far and some newly acquired ones.  After months of searching, I think I have figured out what my new career will be—although this is always subject to change.  I want to help individuals have the best possible end of life experience.  We need to give individuals facing the end of their lives as much care and compassion as we give those being born.  At the start and end of life’s journey we have little ability to make our needs known or express ourselves.  When around babies, most of us know that they need to be fed, clothed, diapered, and loved.  What about when we are dying?  Most of us are so uncomfortable with this topic that we don’t discuss it, and when it happens to us….well we are ill prepared to deal with it.  So, I want to help people figure out what they want at the end of their life and help them talk to their loved ones about it.  I think this will make the process of dying a little less traumatic and stressful for the one dying. 

How am I going to do this- well that is an excellent question, and to be honest-- I am still working on that.  That is part of what I am hoping to figure out through this media.  I have been an executive leadership coach for approximately 8 years. In that time, I have worked with a lot of people, who needed some assistance.  Together we were able to pinpoint the problem they were facing, and working together come up with an actionable solution that made the situation better.   Now I want to apply my coaching strategy to a new situation—those with a terminal diagnosis, who want the end to be as peaceful and fulfilling as the beginning. 

What I am not going to do --is help people die.  I have no interest in hastening the process of death.  Everyone is allowed their own choice, and while some might make this one…I will not be assisting with it.

Why am I calling this Candor Without Insult? Being honest without people taking things personally is important, especially when you are dying. You don’t have time to sugar coat everything, and in the end I don’t believe that this type of behavior serves people—ever.  I am also not the most politically correct person in the world. I call things as I see them.  While I do this with compassion, I don’t think anyone is served by having others be less than honest because it will hurt his or her feelings.  None of us grow when people are so afraid to tell us something that we continue on without changing.  Therefore, I want to bring candor without insult into the conversation of dying.

I hope that you will join me in this journey and enter into a conversation with me.  As I said, I don’t know exactly what will be here; all we can do is to see what develops. 

Thanks

JMB