By Wendy Gladney

When life sends you a curve ball, you have two options: remain on the bench or get in the game. I recently had someone dear to me admitted to the hospital, and I had to assist them with not only their home and personal affairs, but I also had to make serious choices about their health and general well-being.

When confronted with such serious issues, it causes one to stop and examine their own lives to ensure that things are in order for those who may have to assist us one day in the same situation. We often put off getting our things in order because we believe there will always be tomorrow. Let us focus on getting a few things right now that we are in a new year.

There are various things you should make sure you put in place depending on your assets and the various things that worry you. I suggest that you start by looking for the right consultant who can assist you in doing everything lawfully and properly.

Life insurance, a Living Trust or Will, a Medical Directive, and potentially appointing a trustworthy person as your Power of Attorney are all things I suggest regardless of your situation. It is critical that you make it very obvious to those you trust what your wishes are in advance if they must make life-altering choices for you.

If you are in the hospital and do not want to be resuscitated (DNR), you must have it in writing. If you want to give your organs, you must also have that in writing. If you want to give your organs, you can notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you update your license. Leave nothing essential to coincidence.

There are several other things you can work on getting right for your family and loved ones who may have to step up to either assist you while you recover or manage your affairs after you pass away. One thing I found useful while assisting my loved one was that they had a list of all their bills and when they were due, which made it simpler to keep them paid on time. This was critical so that none of their utilities or necessities were shut off or disconnected when they came home.

They also had a phone list of important individuals who should be contacted in the event of an emergency. Have you thought about your wishes for your funeral ceremony and written them down? I know we’ll be gone when this day arrives, but it certainly helps our loved ones cope with losing us and gives them a little more room to grieve without a lot of things slipping through the gaps. This eliminates the uncertainty in granting their desires.

I am aware that talking about these kinds of issues can be challenging, but I have had to assist both those who had planned ahead and had provided a roadmap for those trying to help and those who had not, and I can attest that failing to provide guidance can make things extremely challenging and may have unfavourable effects on future generations. While you still have the chance, take charge of the circumstance and clarify a few things.

Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.