Tag Archives: conversations

The Mary Mac Show | Considering End of Life Choices

The Mary Mac Show Podcast

In Episode 138, we discuss the courageous act of developing an end-of-life plan for what we would like to happen should we become ill, unable to care for ourselves, or die and the decisions that need to be made so our families know of our desires.

It is not easy to speak with our loved ones about death and dying.

It can be even harder when we need to speak about the specifics of what each individual wants for their end-of-life choices.

Often times, it can be something sudden and dramatic that has taken place which makes us realize now is the time.

But please be wise and not wait until it’s so late that you don’t know what their wishes are.

Perhaps an serious diagnosis or accident wakes us up.

Yet I encourage you to do is draw up the courage and speak about it now.

Would they want to be resusitated if they were at death’s door?

Would they not want to be resusitated and allowed to die as natural a death as possible?

If they are in hospice, do they want to die at home or in the hospital?

Do they want to be cremated or buried and where?

Has a resting place already been chosen and paid for?

Do they want a wake and, if so, for how long?

Would they want a church funeral and, if so, where?

And have they developed a will? Who has possession of it and who has been named as an executor/executrix?

There are so many things that need to be considered for our end-of-life situation.

And the sooner they can be arranged and let others in the family know their wishes, the smoother their death will be for all concerned.

No, it is not easy getting these things in writing, but it is vital for a less drama-filled event after their death.

Gather your courage and have those conversations now.

Bless you!
xoxo

Additional Notes:

If you are ill or grieving a loved one’s death, take the time to research a hotline with trained counselors to speak with.

The very best individuals to connect with are those who are suffering your exact type of death. Go here.

The Mary Mac Show | How To Speak About Death and Dying

The Mary Mac Show Podcast

In Episode 112, we discuss how important it is to speak about death and dying preferably long before imminent death is upon ourselves, our relatives and loved ones.

In this day and age, we have no idea when terminal illness and death will visit ourselves or our family.

And since so much is uncertain with variants of a virus that has consumed so much of the past two years, not to mention how the vaccine has killed people, we live in a specifically uncertain time.

It is true that if we didn’t have to deal with this, we wouldn’t.

It is uncomfortable.

But there are many families who will never deal with the pandemic; their family members’ deaths might be after a long illness, in the case of cancer or an immune disorder.

It might be from a tragic accident, or sudden illness such as a stroke or heart attack that ends their life.

Many people find it hard to talk about death and dying.

We’d rather leave it up to someone else.

But don’t let fear stop you from truly connecting with someone you love either long before their final days, or leading up to them.

Sometimes death comes very quickly and it would be sad if you hadn’t had a conversation around death long before it ever occurred in your relationship with them.

If you had this conversation when they were well, or when they were diagnosed with an illness, you would capture a very wonderful connection with them.

There would be no regrets.

You would have said all you’d like to say to someone who meant so much to you.

We don’t know what the future holds these days. Life is so fragile now.

Take the time to think about this.

If it’s too sensitive to speak all you want to say aloud, do so in writing.

Either way, your soul will be at peace and no matter what happens in the future, you are settled.

Personally, I am thinking about writing out letters to the most important people in my life to acknowledge those who have helped me, loved me and let them know how grateful I feel to have them in my life.

With all that’s happening in this world, we could leave this life in an instant.

Use the time you have to make a difference.

Loving you.
xoxo

Additional Notes:

If you are ill or grieving a loved one’s death, take the time to research a hotline with trained counselors to speak with.

The very best individuals to connect with are those who are suffering your exact type of death. Go here.

If my podcast has helped you, I’d love for you to buy me a coffee to show your support! Thanks!

The Mary Mac Show | The Gift of Remembrance

The Mary Mac Show Podcast

In Episode 106, we discuss how we remember our loved ones who have died and the need to concentrate on the good instead of the sorrowful memories.

We spend so much energy remembering the first months after their death which bring all the pain and sorrow.

And, often, these times linger for much longer than is healthy.

People who don’t allow themselves to live again after a loved one’s death, can cause themselves to suppress their immune system and cause disease in their body.

In this episode, I encourage you to honor the memory of your loved one, but to also begin, if you haven’t already, to concentrate on the good times you enjoyed together.

To remember the fun things you did together; the heartfelt moments with them.

Remember to be good to yourself, my warrior. Let others help you.

Additional Notes:

Learn EFT to calm your intense emotions. Visit here.

Meditation Videos to help you rest. Choose which resonate with you.

And remember to pick up my ebook Holiday Grief: How To Cope With Stress, Anxiety and Depression After a Loved One’s Death right here on my site on the left hand margin to help you.

Please share with anyone you know who might benefit from this knowledge. Also subscribe/follow to my podcast on whichever podcast platform you listened in.

xoxo

The Mary Mac Show | Preparing For The Holiday Season II

The Mary Mac Show Podcast

In Episode 105, we continue to discuss how to prepare yourself as we encounter the year-end holidays.

No matter which ones you celebrate, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, or many others after a loved one has died, they just don’t feel the same.

Not everyone will handle the holidays in the same manner.

Some will retreat and not deal with them at all. And I’d like to encourage you to not do this, as hiding from others will only make you feel worse.

Take some time to visit with family and friends and even if you cry or feel overwhelmed, at least you have someone to hug you and listen to you and acknowledge your pain.

Some will decide to have a select handful of individuals to their home so they feel comfortable in their own surroundings. It doesn’t mean you have to do everything. Others can bring dishes and you can all share the wonderful foods and desserts together. These may be dishes you never tried before.

And others have told me they decided to volunteer to give back either by serving meals to the homeless or organizing Christmas gifts for the little ones.

Whatever you decided to do, taking your mind off of your own pain is a gift you didn’t know could really help you when you personally have lost so much.

Remember when you smile, laugh or enjoy the gifts given to you, or those you give to others, feel content. No one said you must be sad all the time through these holidays. You are entitled to feel good, too.

And remember to pick up my ebook Holiday Grief: How To Cope With Stress, Anxiety and Depression After a Loved One’s Death right here on my site on the left hand margin to help you.

Remember to be good to yourself, my warrior. Let others help you.

Additional Notes:

Learn EFT to calm your intense emotions. Visit here.

Meditation Videos to help you rest. Choose which resonate with you.

Please share with anyone you know who might benefit from this knowledge. Also subscribe/follow to my podcast on whichever podcast platform you listened in.

xoxo

The Mary Mac Show | Preparing For The Holiday Season I

The Mary Mac Show Podcast

In this week’s episode, we discuss how to prepare yourself as we encounter the year-end holidays.

No matter which ones you celebrate, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, or many others after a loved one has died, they just don’t feel the same.

For those who are dealing with their first holiday season, it can be especially difficult.

Trying to feel happy and enjoying the seasons as you did in the past, can be a difficult task.

The main thing to know is that you don’t have to do all you’ve done in the past.

You can decide on a different path. You can curtail your events and celebrations this year and there is nothing wrong with that.

Your emotional state is different now and you must be sensitive to that and treat yourself with more care.

Whereas you might have handled all the cooking, cleaning, baking and hosting, this year it might be better to let another family member take the lead. And you simply attend and take the stress off of yourself.

And remember to pick up my ebook Holiday Grief: How To Cope With Stress, Anxiety and Depression After a Loved One’s Death right here on my site on the left hand margin to help you.

Remember to be good to yourself, my warrior. Let others help you.

Additional Notes:

Learn EFT to calm your intense emotions. Visit here.

Meditation Videos to help you rest. Choose which resonate with you.

Please share with anyone you know who might benefit from this knowledge. Also subscribe to my podcast on whichever podcast platform you listened in.

xoxo