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4. Getting Started

4.1. What Do I Need to Begin a "Will to Live?"

	Recording Tools – some suggestions are a tape recorder, a notepad for jotting ideas, or a computer. Or, you could sit with a friend who could fill out the workbook as you talk.
	A file or box for collecting articles that express your point of view. Sometimes a poem, story, song or picture helps stimulate your own thoughts.
	A quiet space to think.
	Ways to reflect your thoughts and gain feedback. It might be helpful to do a few questions at a time and then review them privately after a few hours. You might also want to discuss what you’ve decided with a trusted friend or support circle, but it is important to remember that this is about your life and what you want to have happen, and others may have their own agenda.
	Reliable information about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Knowledge is power, and living in a state of denial will not help you take measures that enable you to live as full a life as possible. However, a cautionary note must be added. Clinical medical information is valuable, but doesn’t necessarily take into account all the other parts of you – your character, your interests, your passions, your experiences, your social circle, and your convictions. It might help to think about plugging medical information into a much larger holistic framework which is the canvas of your life!
	Start with the “My Life” section first. This gives you a chance to recognize what your priorities are and what you appreciate about your life. It provides a positive framework from which you can move into what could be more difficult questions about your preferences in critical medical situations.

4.2. What if Making a Will to Live Feels Overwhelming?

Thinking about being in a vulnerable situation such as a critical medical emergency is difficult for most people to process. You are doing something many people would avoid. It is interesting to note that people are far less reluctant to make a will that designates where all their worldly possessions go than to think about what they would want to have happen to them as persons in a possible end-of-life situation. Pat yourself on the back for being brave by undertaking this step! If you find working on your Will to Live Document overwhelming, here are some suggestions:

	Focus on the importance of the work. You are empowering yourself and those who may speak for you by taking the guesswork out of a tough situation AND you are exploring what gives your life quality and meaning;
	Keep a journal to record any difficulties you experience while pondering potential end-of-life questions. Noticing similar issues that come up repeatedly can help you explore and overcome emotional blocks that keep you from going further;
	Talk about the difficulties of certain questions or the concept as a whole with someone you trust;
	Take a break – but make a promise to yourself to consider working at your Will To Live another time;
	Search for something inspiring that captures the ways you feel about your life , your future dreams and aspirations – a song, a poem, or anything else that gives you courage and joy;
	Remind yourself how rewarding it will be to complete your Will to Live. You will have created something that may alleviate considerable hardship for yourself and those close to you. You are also taking the time to appreciate and reflect on what is most important to you, something many people intend to do and never get around to doing.

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Making A Will To Live - Contents