Life and death matters
Helping Friendly Newsletter, 04.09.21
Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s email:
Memento mori
A gift for your loved ones
Tiny book reviews
VIP (vacation in progress)
1. Memento mori
Last week, I was interviewed on my experiences in death care for a project with UVA’s Race, Religion, and Democracy Lab. In the process, I offered the death acceptance concept memento mori, which is Latin for “remember you must die.” It’s a heavy thought, but life-affirming: to remember we must die is to remember we’re alive. This can be transformative thinking.
2. A gift for your loved ones
While we’re on the subject…I strongly encourage talking with your loved ones now about your end-of-life wishes. They are much easier to discuss in the abstract, and when the time comes your loved ones will thank you for making their grief a little easier. If you want some help, I recommend the simple forms and family conversation guide at Five Wishes.
3. Tiny book reviews
For your next read, take a peek at my updated 2021 booklist and micro reviews. In March alone, there are two 5-star social justice titles and a gripping, up-until-2am mystery that would make worthy additions to your nightstand.
4. VIP (vacation in progress)
Andy and I are on the road with the kids for a few days in the OBX + a visit to my folks. I’ll be back in action on Monday. Cheers to sun, sand, and an empty calendar🍻
Thank you for reading
This newsletter is a labor of love. 💌 If you would like to show your support, you can invite someone to check it out, order from my storefront on Bookshop1, venmo me a coffee, or engage my services. If you’re seeing it for the first time, you can access the archive or subscribe here.
The treasure chest is on vacation too, but it will be overflowing next Friday!
Have a great weekend. I’ll see you again soon.
Jenny
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