Make no mistake, we all manage the stages of life because we really don’t have much of a choice.  We get through our childhood and become young adults, whether we want to or not.  We all hit those middle stages, and move on to retirement, again whether we want to or not.  When it comes to the end of life, we also manage this, whether we want to or not.   The end-of-life planning may take years or moments, depending on the life event.  We never know when this moment will come, and we are rarely ready  We can only hope that we have been able to say goodbye those how mean the most.  How will you plan for the end?  When will you start to plan, and how important will it be?

Whether you are rich or poor, old or young, there always comes a time when we have to think about the end of life.  Some need to plan for their estate.  Others have to plan for medical issues.  Some just leave it up to family or friends to manage any issues.  Whatever you decide to do, issues at the end of life can be as difficult to manage as retirement, or worse. 

Unfortunately, some people need to make health decisions at the end of life.  They may need to make decisions about medical interventions that they want and don’t want.  They may have to decide if they want more extensive measures to keep them alive, of if they just want to be comfortable.  They have to talk with their family about their wishes to make sure that they are followed.  This can be addressed with a living will, something that everyone should consider, but not many people have.

Many people also plan for their funeral during this stage, but others planned for this stage many years ago.  I have already told my family that I want to be cremated, and the ashes spit into 4 jars.  I want them to travel and spread my ashes in my favorite places.  Some prefer to be buried in a cemetery, close to other family and friends.  These days, people can be cremated and shot into space in a firework.  Imagine that.   Some want to be buried at sea or be saved and mixed with a loved ones ashes in the future.  Making your end of life wishes known to family and friends makes your final plan take shape. 

As you think about all the life stages, remember that there are issues at every stage that are normal and predictable.  There are ways to manage those issues, whether you prepare in advance or have to make decisions on the fly.   Nobody’s life is simple and easy.  We all have issues along the way that we need to face and manage.   Television, movies and social media seem to be giving us the wrong idea about life.  Life is hard.  We need to plan for the best times, and the worst times.  We all have the strength to get through the wort of times.  I wish everyone knew that.  Some have experiences that make them question their strengths, but they are in there.  We all have the option to change our path no matter what stage of life.   Learn to overcome.  Learn to use your support system, and remember that you can do this.  It’s all part of being happy, for life.