Each person is free to make his or her own choices in life and in death. We may become judgmental of ourselves and others, thinking life and death must happen in a certain way.

Choices around death and dying may not be seen as choices at all, but rather prescribed actions that someone “must” follow.  These prescriptions may arise form one’s religious beliefs, culture, or family views.   Any and all choices around death and dying are neither “right” nor “wrong”, neither “good” nor “bad”.  The same goes for life and living. Both states ask us to embrace the possibility of choice.  

Do you feel options exist for honoring death and dying, in yourself and others, or do you have certain expectations that must be met? 

How does the honoring of choices in death and dying reflect how we honor choices in life and living?