Description
Book SynopsisYour End of Life Matters is offered at a time when people are starting to talk more about end-of-life matters. Based on the author’s own experiences and those of others she’s worked with, the book conveys the value of talking about last wishes long before the end is imminent. With the primary emphasis on how to create a successful end-of-life communication of your own, this book weaves stories, text, writing prompts, humor, and exercises into 12 chapters that include answers to key questions including the who? why?, what?, how?, where?, and when? of a potential conversation. She covers Legacy Documents and other issues that might arise when planning for those final days. Ziff has written a “how-to” communication book for readers of all ages, addressing the need, and recommending methods, to do what her parents did, and what she eventually did as well: To communicate, with someone you know you can trust, what the end-of-life matters are that you will want known both before, and when the time (of your death) comes. Ziff has been on both sides of this vital conversation, first as a Listener, and, more recently, as its Initiator, and she advocates the value of both roles. “Let me tell you,” she admits candidly, “the planning ahead is pretty challenging and time-consuming—cataloging my office data, tax and medical information, photos and writings, to say nothing of books, and of clothing I had saved but not used in decades. But the relief—being able to know the talk was accomplished successfully—that’s remarkable! I’m free now to actively get on exploring my bucket list and living my life!”
Trade ReviewHere is a small book of great meaning and timeliness. Practitioners of medical, psychological health, as well as their clients and their families, should read and follow the recommendations contained herein. -- Philip B. Luloff, MD, LFAPA, CGP, Director Division of Psychotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
A sensitive and important topic… handled carefully and gently by the author. Anyone wanting to address end-of-life wishes with a trusted family member or friend will find this work to be a ready guide. -- Ken Schwartz, Co-chair of AGPA Special Interest Group
Anne Ziff is a wise guide on a difficult but inevitable journey for each of us. She asks us to stop and consider the next steps along the way so that we truly reach someplace important at the end. -- Richard Schaub, PhD, director, Huntington Meditation and Imagery Center; author, "Dante's Path"
Death is a reality for all of us, and it is time that the conversation be as natural as how we talk about living a heart healthy life. Anne Finkelman Ziff gives us the tools in this how-to guide. The discussion of death and dying should be a conversation that is simply a part of all of our lives. -- Suzanne Steinbaum, Director, Women's Heart Health, Heart and Vascular Institute, Lenox Hill Hospital
This is a brave book by a wise woman. Anne Ziff encourages us to look ahead while we are able, and initiate discussion about our own death and dying wishes with the people closest to us. She has obviously done the work herself and is therefore perfectly positioned to guide others. Packed with stories and exercises to help organize our thoughts, Your End of Life Matters is neither maudlin nor panic-inducing. Rather, it is a practical guide through the thicket. It will make you think, calm your nerves, and allow you to go on with life, free of most end-of-life concerns. -- Elena Lesser Bruun, EdD, LMFT, LMHC; Past President of the New York Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (NYAMFT); Former Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine; Co-author of “Marrying Well” and “Not on Speaking Terms”
Table of ContentsForeword Chapter 1 Free Yourself from Worries and Fears; Read a Story Chapter 2 Learn from Stories Chapter 3 Lay the Groundwork Chapter 4 Ask Yourself, Who? Chapter 5 Ask Yourself, What? Chapter 6 Ask Yourself, Why? Chapter 7 Ask Yourself, How? and Where? Chapter 8 Do You Think You Might Like to Write a Legacy Document? Chapter 9 Ready, Set, Go: Create Your Personal Legacy Document Chapter 10 Ask Yourself, What Obstacles Could Possibly Get in the Way of My Conversation? Chapter 11 Reflections Appendix A A List of Euphemisms for Death or Dying Appendix B A Guide for Book Groups
