What Makes Life Worth Living?

Have you ever asked yourself what makes life worth living?

Not in a theoretical, late-night-philosophy kind of way—but in a real, grounded, personal way. If you were facing a medical crisis, what would you want your care to look like? What would be most important to you? And who would you trust to speak as you, if you couldn’t speak for yourself?

These questions might seem abstract—until they’re not.

The Reality of Our Mortality®

At Willow, we talk a lot about using the reality of our mortality® as a lens for reflection and a guide for living. Advance care planning is a vital part of that. It’s not just about medical forms or legal documents (though those matter too). It’s about getting clear on your values, your wishes, and what brings meaning to your life—before a crisis happens.

In our upcoming Willow Workshop®, Empowered Choices Part 1: Navigating Advance Care Planning, we take a holistic and heart-centered approach to this essential (and often overlooked) work. We’ll guide you to reflect on your past experiences with death and dying, uncover your care preferences, and begin shaping a plan that reflects who you truly are.

What Would Make Life Worth Living—For You?

One of the exercises we explore in the workshop invites you to consider a powerful scenario: Imagine you're about to undergo a risky medical procedure. It might restore your health, but it also might not. If it left you with significant limitations, would you still want it?

To help make that call, you need to get clear on your personal definition of a life worth living.

For some people, it's about maintaining physical independence. For others, it’s being able to connect with loved ones, feel joy, or engage in spiritual practices. There’s no right or wrong answer—only what’s true for you.

You might say:

“As long as I can hold my partner’s hand.”
“As long as I can listen to music and know I’m not alone.”
“As long as I’m not in constant pain.”

These kinds of reflections bring depth and clarity to your advance care planning—because they speak from the heart, not just the head.

Who Will Speak As You?

Once you start clarifying what matters to you, the next question becomes: Who can help make sure those values are honoured if you can’t speak for yourself—or don’t have the energy to advocate for your own care?

In the workshop, we explore the importance of choosing a Substitute Decision Maker—someone who knows you well, understands your wishes, and has the courage and clarity to speak as you, not just for you.

This distinction matters.

Speaking for someone implies authority over them. Speaking as someone requires empathy, trust, and a shared understanding of what matters most.

You might already have someone in mind. Or maybe you’re unsure. Maybe the person your care team would turn to by default isn’t the one you’d choose. That’s OK. That’s why we do this work now—so you can choose with intention, and open up the conversations that will make all the difference.

In the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to articulate the qualities your person should have—and who that person should be. 

Let This Be the Beginning

Advance care planning doesn’t have to be cold, clinical, or overwhelming. It can be tender, empowering, even life-affirming.

In Empowered Choices Part 1, we’ll walk with you through a reflective, interactive process to help you:

✅ Learn how past experiences shape your care preferences.

✅ Explore your unique hopes, fears, and care priorities.

✅ Identify who could speak as you when it matters most.

No matter your age or health status, this workshop will meet you where you are—and help you move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

💬 Ready to take this step for yourself and those who care about you?

Check the Workshops Page for a virtual or live event that works for you. 

This is not just about preparing for the end—it’s about living now with more intention, connection, and care.