“The Obituary” FAQ
1. What is "The Obituary,” and who is it for?
"The Obituary" is a guided reflective writing experience where you explore the story of your life. It’s not about writing a literal obituary but about reflecting on your journey, values, relationships, and hopes for the future. It’s for anyone curious about how they want to be remembered and who wishes to connect more deeply with what gives their life meaning.
This exercise is for:
People of any age, from young adults to older adults.
Those who are healthy or managing health challenges.
Anyone—not just those who are facing loss.
You don’t need to have recently lost someone or be nearing the end of your life to participate. It’s about living more fully by reflecting on life’s impermanence.
2. Do I need to be actively grieving to participate?
Not at all. While grief can bring people to this type of work, "The Obituary" is designed for anyone at any stage of life. It’s an opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow—whether or not loss is currently part of your experience.
3. Isn’t this kind of morbid or sad?
It can be quite the opposite! Many participants find the experience calming, life-affirming or even joyful. Reflecting on death helps us clarify what matters most, uncover gratitude, and take actions that align with our values. It’s a space for meaningful conversations and discovery, not just about death—but about life.
4. What if I’m not good with words?
You don’t need to be a skilled writer or speaker to benefit from this exercise. The process is about reflection and expression, not about crafting the “perfect” piece. The prompts are simple and accessible, and the focus is on your reflections, not your communication skills.
5. I’m young and healthy—why should I think about this now?
Great question! Reflecting on life and legacy isn’t just for later stages of life—it’s a practice that can help anyone live more intentionally. By exploring these ideas now, you can gain clarity about your priorities, make meaningful decisions, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for your present.
6. What if thinking about death makes me uncomfortable?
Feeling uncomfortable is completely normal, and this experience takes place in a safe, supportive space where you can explore those feelings. Confronting discomfort can be transformative—many people find that leaning into these conversations reduces their fear of death and helps them connect with what’s truly important.
7. What should I expect during my experience?
Each session lasts for 90 minutes and is structured to give you time for reflection and discussion. We begin by introducing ourselves, then I will walk you through the entire experience. It begins and ends with a brief mindfulness meditation, includes breaks, and the reflective prompts to guide you. If you like, there is room to process whatever comes up for you. “The Obituary” is designed to be thoughtful, paced, and supported.
8. Do I need to share my reflections with others?
Not unless you want to! Sharing is entirely optional, and you’re welcome to keep your reflections private. That said, some participants go on to share their reflections with family members so that they will have a meaningful resource when it is needed. Other participants have realized that they do not want parts of their reflections to end up in their obituary. The process is designed to serve you, whether you choose to share or not.
9. I don’t think I have anything meaningful to say about my life—what should I do?
You might be surprised at what emerges when you start. Everyone has a story, and "The Obituary" is about uncovering and honoring your unique journey—no matter what it looks like.
10. How does this fit into your broader Room for Dying project?
"The Obituary" is one part of my Room for Dying project, which focuses on death acceptance and fostering open conversations about life, death, and legacy. The topic of mortality is a personal part of my own journey with death acceptance, and an essential element of my studio practice. Room for Dying allows me to connect more deeply with my community, and to hold some really interesting conversations.
11. What are your qualifications and experience for guiding this exercise?
My work is rooted in a deeply personal journey with mortality, one that revealed how death acceptance can illuminate the path to meaningful living. I have completed 40-hour end-of-life doula training through INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association), which has equipped me to support others in exploring life, death, and legacy with sensitivity and skill. My foundation in mindful practice, established through the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at Jupiter Medical Center, enhances my ability to create intentional, supportive spaces. This program, pioneered by Jon Kabat-Zinn at UMass Medical Center, informs my approach to presence, awareness, and compassionate facilitation. In my studio practice, I’ve cultivated skills in facilitating thoughtful, safe, and structured spaces for meaningful conversations. My approach is compassionate and supportive, ensuring that every participant feels seen and valued throughout the process.
12. What are your accessibility options?
I strive to make this experience as inclusive and accessible as possible. Here are some of the options available when you are ready to book your experience:
Large-Print Workbook: If you prefer larger text, I can provide prompts and materials in a large-print format to enhance readability.
Audio Recording: I can provide an audio recording of the experience.
Voice-to-Text: If you prefer, I offer voice-to-text tools to help capture your reflections in real time.
Physical Accessibility: My studio is located in a former medical office that is ADA-compliant and can accommodate wheelchairs. Entrances, pathways, and restrooms are designed for ease of access.
If you have specific accessibility needs not listed here, please let me know, and I’ll do my best to accommodate you. My goal is to ensure that everyone feels welcome and supported during this experience.
13. What are people saying about the experience?
I am thrilled and humbled to share a few of the anonymously submitted reviews:
“I loved it! I look forward to doing this again in the future.”
“This was a really wonderful experience! I loved the setting, the questions, the intention, it was very interesting, exciting and a little bit scary! It felt good to talk about these topics.”
“Loved this.”
“This was a really positive experience and I was very glad to be a part of it.”
Final Thoughts
“The Obituary” is for everyone, regardless of age, health, or life experience. It’s an invitation to reflect on what matters most and to connect with the universal truth that our time is limited. If you’re curious, I encourage you to try it—you might discover something transformative about yourself.