Many of us have goals, desires and aspirations we hope to accomplish and experience in our lifetime. Most often, they are a mental list that we check off as we accomplish them. It acts as a sign of hope and future orientation, motivating us to accomplish our goals, no matter how big or small.
For those diagnosed with terminal illnesses or do not have much time left, a bucket list has many benefits. It allows patients to reflect on what matters most to them, their values and identify important life milestones and experiences they still want to have.
End Of life Discussions
Talking about death is one of the most difficult conversations you will ever have. From medical treatment and palliative care to post death discussions such as funerals and wills, there seems to be an endless list of decisions to make and details to consider.
Rather than feel overwhelmed with discussing the hard issues, holding a conversation about life goals and what you or your loved one still wishes to accomplish can provide valuable insight into how to make the more formal, scary decisions.
Many studies report that a primary emotion terminally ill patients have is dying with regret. Writing and sharing a bucket list is an effective strategy to help guide us to discover how we wish to live our final years, months and days.
Not only does this help you to understand a patient’s desires, but it can help with health decisions. By clarifying goals and aspirations medical staff are better able to inform patients of the various impacts of different treatment options and better align them for the best quality of life.
Creating A Bucket List
While we all have a mental list of the things we want to do, many of us rarely actively pursue accomplishing them. However, when a patient is on the journey towards the end of life, compiling a tangible list of goals gives them some reality and priority.
Additionally, completing a bucket list gives patients a sense of accomplishment and empowerment during a time when they feel like they are not able to do anything. Some bucket list ideas include:
Travel
Travel, local or international, is one of the most common bucket list items, and for good reason! The world is home to countless wonders ready to be experienced. Whether you are alone or with loved ones, travel is a great way to experience a multitude of cultures, foods and activities.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Death is difficult for everyone involved. Spending your last days with friends, family and those important to you is something both parties will cherish. This can be combined with other bucket list items to share these experiences and memories with.
Say It
There is often a lot that is left unsaid when a loved one dies, creating an overwhelming sense of sadness and guilt. By making yourself heard you create a legacy and cherished memory for those left behind.
Create Your Bucket List With Dying To Understand
As a community with a mission to normalise discussions about death and everything that comes with it, Dying To Understand offers a comprehensive list of resources and communities to help build your bucket lists. Join today and experience a loving community dedicated to you!