In the rhythm of our daily lives, we often push essential tasks like organising personal affairs to the back burner. It’s a common human tendency to procrastinate on matters that seem distant or uncomfortable. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, prioritising immediate concerns over long-term preparations. But then, a health event strikes—a sudden illness, a medical scare, or an unexpected diagnosis—and it jolts us into a stark realisation: we’re not as prepared as we thought we were.
Why does it take a health event to prompt us to get our personal affairs in order? The answer lies in the nature of human psychology and our relationship with mortality.
Firstly, humans have a remarkable ability to deny their mortality. We often live as if we’re invincible, brushing aside the thought of our own mortality until it’s staring us in the face. A health event shatters this illusion, forcing us to confront the fragility of life and acknowledge that our time on this earth is finite. Suddenly, the urgency to put our affairs in order becomes undeniable.
Secondly, there’s the phenomenon of procrastination. We humans have a tendency to procrastinate on tasks that seem daunting or unpleasant, and let’s face it—sorting through legal documents, drafting a will, or setting up an advance directive doesn’t exactly top the list of fun activities. It’s easier to push these tasks aside and focus on more immediate gratifications. However, when a health event strikes, the urgency of the situation leaves us with no choice but to confront these tasks head-on.
Moreover, there’s a societal stigma surrounding discussions of death and dying. We often avoid conversations about end-of-life planning because they’re seen as morbid or taboo. As a result, many people fail to adequately prepare for the inevitable, leaving themselves and their loved ones vulnerable in times of crisis. It’s only when faced with a health scare that we realise the importance of having these conversations and making concrete plans for the future.
Additionally, there’s a lack of awareness about the importance of personal affairs planning. Many people simply don’t realize the implications of not having a will, a healthcare proxy, or other essential documents in place until it’s too late. A health event serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the critical need for proper planning and prompting us to take action before it’s too late.
In conclusion, while it’s unfortunate that it often takes a health event to spur us into action, it’s a reality that many of us face. The key is to learn from these experiences and proactively take steps to get our personal affairs in order before a crisis occurs. By confronting our mortality, overcoming procrastination, breaking the taboo surrounding end-of-life planning, and increasing awareness about the importance of personal affairs planning, we can ensure that we and our loved ones are better prepared for whatever the future may hold.
