LIFE'S NON-NEGOTIABLES

In Ontario, we are about half-way through the total lock-down and the call to arms is "Stay Home". Our Prime Minister, in his most soothing tone of voice is doing his best to keep all the children calm and behaving well. 

We are all feeling the effects: our quality of life is imposed upon and our freedom to do what we want, where we want and when we want is whittled down to the confines of our abodes.

Which leads me to the point of this blog - what is your idea of quality of life? What makes you get up in the morning and gives you meaning and direction? What is a non-negotiable for you?

This is my nuclear family - a pic taken before they all left me, got married and started working on their own little branches in the tree. 

This is a non-negotiable for me - family. That would include my fur babies as well!

So is spending time outside. I need fresh air, flowers, the sound and feel of the wind. I also have an inherited strong independent streak the I've never been able to shake. 

If you removed these my reasons for living, my quality of life, would be greatly diminished. I would likely begin to fade. 

This past week we acknowledged Advance Care Planning Day. The point of Advance Care Planning is to let your Substitute Decision Maker know what is important to you, what are you willing to compromise on and what is a non-negotiable. If you are in a situation where you are unable to speak for yourself, your Substitute Decision Maker will be speaking for you. So when a Health crisis arises and the medical team is offering up the options and the possible outcomes, your SDM will know what makes you tick and can give consent to the best medical care that aligns with your goals and wishes. It is a CONVERSATION, not a written in stone order. And one you should review regularly! When I was 15, a pack of Player's Lights in my purse was considered quality of life. Not so much anymore! Things Change! It may be should I live another 30 years I will be happy with a kiss from my grandson, a cat on my lap and a small garden. 

Every part of life, even the final chapters, is important. Have the Conversation and ensure your Substitute Decision Maker knows what is important to you and what are your non-negotiables.