MyGoodbyes

🌟 Major Announcement 🌟

Hey there, Amazing Community! 🌈

We've got some news that's as refreshing as your morning cup of joe! ☕ You’ve probably heard the whispers and seen the hints in our latest newsletter, but now it's time to make it official.

We're packing our bags and moving! But don't worry, we're not going far. 🏡💼 We're teaming up with our awesome sister company, Before I Go Solutions, to bring you something even better. (Yeah, we didn't think it was possible either!)

And where's this exciting new party? Drumroll, please... 🥁🙌

We're inviting you to come hang out with us on our shiny new Private Facebook Group "MyGoodbyes: End of Life Conversations Community".

https://www.facebook.com/groups/endoflifeconversations
Imagine a place filled with the daily wellness vibes you love, deep dives into the meaningful convos about life and after, and a community that’s all about living their best life - chock-full of the warm and fuzzies. 🌿✨

Are you in? We thought so! Here are the deets:

📱 Find us on Instagram:

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/endoflifeconversations

page: https://www.facebook.com/beforeigosolutions

🏷️ Tag us, DM us, double-tap our posts - let's get social!
💭 Join the conversation:

Big changes like this might have you thinking, “But why fix what ain't broken, right?” Well, because at heart, we're all about growth, embracing change, and, most importantly, offering you a space that's as dynamic and full of potential as you are. 🚀

So come on over! Don't leave us lonely over there. We promise it'll feel like home in no time - just with a slightly different decor. 😊
We're over the moon 🌙 to keep sharing, inspiring, and living alongside you. Because you, dear friend, make all of this worthwhile.

Catch ya on the flip side... which is just a click away! Tap into our new world, and let's continue this beautiful journey together.
Peace, love, and endless gratitude,

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to our new channel! Your daily dose of wellness is just getting started! 🌟

🎬 Reflecting on the power of cinema in moments of grief and understanding, I've tried to pick films recently that have complexities of life and loss scattered throughout the storyline.

Last week, I was captivated by Jodie Comer's raw portrayal in 'The End We Start From,' a gripping tale of resilience amidst natural disaster, exploring the depths of survival with a newborn amidst chaos. How we deal with new life and death as a family and how you can be resilient! Jodie's performance was stand out for me in this film. I would give it 2.5 stars!

Yesterday, I stepped into the world of 'The Iron Claw,' a compelling narrative chronicling the legacy and tragedy of 'The Von Erichs,' a wrestling family plagued by an eerie curse (based on a true story). Witnessing their story unfold on screen was both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, shedding light on the fragility of life and the weight of familial bonds. 5 out of the 6 brothers die before the age of 35. Zac Efron, Lily James and Jeremy Allen White were amazing in this film and the script was very well done. The downside was it felt rushed but I would still give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.

Next on my cinematic visit is 'All of Us Strangers.' While I've carefully avoided spoilers, the premise of revisiting one's past and confronting the ghosts of childhood amidst loss will resonate with many I guess. I am a massive fan of Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott but looking forward to seeing performances from Jamie Bell and Claire Foy.

I absolutely love a trip to the cinema since I was a kid. I have always found it to be magical from going to watch classic films or just going with family as a treat on a weekend. These are the memories that I treasure. 🎥✨

Introducing - posts that focus on important information you need to know about the world of Before I Go Solutions and MyGoodbyes, as well as topical information about the general death sphere.

Today's Monday Matters is a final call to all aspiring End of Life Planning Facilitators.

We know that a little financial boost can go a long way, so here's your final nudge to seize the opportunity as our scholarship applications are closing TOMORROW! 🚨

We’re on the hunt for those with a shift-the-world-on-its-axis kind of passion; people who know how to take action and can inspire others to do the same.

Tag your friends who are meant for extraordinary things and remind them to apply before it's too late. Let's make end-of-life plans as common as birth plans - and let's do it together!

Apply NOW! ✨ https://buff.ly/3HVwbfi

🕯️ Exploring Chinese Funeral Traditions

In Chinese culture, the journey of life extends beyond earthly bounds, and so does the respect for the departed.

🌸 Funerals in China are deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism, reflecting both reverence for the deceased and a connection to ancient customs.

👋 Parting Rituals: Loved ones will typically bid farewell to the departed at home or in a hospital. It's a solemn moment of closure and respect.

⛩️ Ceremonial Practices: Traditional Chinese funerals often involve rituals like ancestor worship, where offerings are made to honour the deceased's spirit. Elaborate altars adorned with flowers, incense, and photos are common sights, symbolising remembrance and respect.

🏮 Funeral Processions: Processions, often adorned with colourful banners and accompanied by mournful music, proceed through streets to the burial site or crematorium. These processions are a public display of respect and can be quite moving.

🎎 Mourning Period: Following the funeral, families observe a mourning period where they refrain from celebrations and wear somber clothing as a sign of respect for the departed.

🌺 Symbolism: Flowers, particularly white chrysanthemums, symbolise grief and are commonly seen at Chinese funerals. White is considered the colour of mourning in Chinese culture.

💬 Continuing Legacy: Beyond the rituals, Chinese funerals are about honouring the legacy of the departed and providing comfort to the living through shared memories and support.

In essence, Chinese funerals blend ancient customs with contemporary expressions of love and respect, weaving a tapestry of tradition that honours the journey from this life to the next. 🌟



Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us! 🌿✨

Throw Back Thursday...

Throwing all the way back to the Victorian Era and diving into the solemn beauty of the past with Victorian Mourning Jewellery 🖤✨.

Mourning Jewellery dates back to the 17th century but really gained popularity during Queen Victoria's reign as she mourned the death of her beloved Prince Albert.

Created as a token of remembrance, these pieces whisper tales of love and longing woven into every locket and ring. 🌹💍

The history of mourning rites is as intriguing as it is emotional. Some mourning jewellery contained locks of hair intricately woven and preserved under glass, possibly surrounded by inscriptions of endearment etched on metal. Such mourning jewellery is a glance into the depth of their hearts. 💔

Do you find beauty in the traditions of yesteryear? Would you wear a piece of jewellery containing someone's hair as a form of remembrance? Share your thoughts below. 👇

Tick-tock! Only 2 days left before our LAST free information session on becoming an end-of-life plan facilitator. Get in now to unlock wisdom, a grad’s journey, and an exclusive 10% off discount.

Wave those doubts goodbye and join our powerful community. 🌟 Sustainable futures await. Will you be there?

Breathe new life into your future plans

As mentioned, only 2 days left to dive into our transformative end-of-life facilitator training course info session.

🧡 With limited spaces available on the training programme, register now and secure your space.

Your experience begins with a single step. It's a now-or-never call, folks! 🕰️

Have you heard of the Art of Swedish Death Cleaning??

In the Swedish practice of döstädning, people get rid of unnecessary belongings and put their homes in order.

We highly recommend a good old declutter - or death cleaning - as part of getting your End of Life Plans in place.

Whether you start with sorting all your paperwork so that your people can find things when you die, or you finally get rid of those knickknacks that are gathering dust (trust us, little Jimmy doesn't want to inherit your collection of Toby Jugs, in fact he finds them quite terrifying!), a little decluttering is good for the soul (and the house...)

🌟 Embrace the Slide of Life 🌟

once said, "You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute." 🎢💫 How true is that? Life's adventures often require us to take the plunge without hesitation.

Just like standing at the top of a waterslide, planning for the end of life can seem daunting. It's natural to feel scared or hesitant about discussing such matters. 💭💔 But here's the thing: once we muster the courage to take that leap, it can be surprisingly liberating and life-affirming.

Talking about end-of-life plans may not be the most comfortable topic (but we have you covered!), but it's incredibly important. By putting plans in place, we can ensure our wishes are honoured and ease the burden on our family and friends during difficult times.

So, let's not be the kid overthinking at the top of the waterslide. Let's embrace the journey, take that leap, and discover the freedom and joy that come with planning for the inevitable.

Trust me I know! I had that fear and wouldn't talk about my end of life plans or talk to my family about theirs. I would have some responsibility along with my sisters for honouring the wishes of our parents but I was too scared to ever approach the topic. Once I embraced my own plans and started to look at the lighter questions to break the ice, it was actually really enjoyable.

🌈✨

Are you the same person you once were?

Part 1 of 4 of our Reading List series for January.

The saying goes that knowledge is power, and this couldn’t be any truer in modern-day world where we are shifting towards continuous learning and development. One of the best ways to empower yourself is to attend a training program that includes a reading list. Reading material ahead of the training program can help you hit the ground running, get a deeper understanding of the material, and set the tone for effective learning. Over the next few weeks will discuss the benefits of having a reading list ahead of Before I Go Solutions training program, and why you should consider sign up.

We have some amazing books and authors coming up over the next few weeks but let's start with:

Evie King - Ashes to Admin
Kathryn Mannix - With the End in Mind
Atul Gawande - Being Mortal

All three books are amazing reads and will really help get you started on your journey.

Check out our bio to sign up to the FREE information session being run throughout January by Before I Go Solutions. This is a great way to find out more about the End of Life Plan Facilitator training programme.

Let's hear from our very own, Faye, about how putting plans in place helped to ease her death anxiety.

'I remember laying in bed on more than one occasion and my thoughts drifting off about dying. The anxiety that would come over me was overwhelming, to be honest. I realised after speaking with James about MyGoodbyes project, that I needed to do something about my death anxiety. I was surprised to learn that there were so many people out there that were in the same position as myself. I started to read about how to ease the anxious feelings I would get whenever I thought about death. I know it has a 100% success rate but I just didn't want to face it. I found one of the best ways to help me was putting plans in place and talking more openly about the topic with family and friends. The topic of death shouldn't be so taboo and I tried to have more humour around the topic when I talked about it. After putting funeral plans and other end-of-life plans in place, I really was able to embrace this topic more easily than ever before. Don't get me wrong there are times when I feel anxious but I have learned to think more positively when I do get anxious.'

So if you are feeling anxious about death, I would honestly recommend putting some plans in place. Maybe start small, how do you want to be cared for later in life? Is there any daily routines you want to keep e.g. your glass of red wine with your meal or sitting outside as much as possible. Or what about looking at planning your funeral but think of it like planning for a party. What music do you want?

Download the app and that first step is done to help ease the anxiety. You don't have to complete it all at once and thats the great thing about the app. You could do some of the lighter fun questions in the party. Move onto the more in-depth plan when you are ready. There is also the pilot board which gives you loads of insights and useful content for building your legacy too. There are the expert videos if you want more information. Faye found these really useful to help her on her journey.

For those new around here, what is MyGoodbyes?

MyGoodbyes has been designed to help people implement end-of-life plans and share their wishes with family and friends.

We understand the importance of putting plans in place not only for financial or funeral plans but also for your healthcare wishes, what legacy you want to build, and the important memories to you.

The app has some great insightful educational blogs to help you understand and navigate the end-of-life planning world! We also have some great videos from our panel of experts from palliative care consultants to funeral directors to lawyers to financial advisors.

The start of a new year often brings about a sense of motivation and renewal. A chance to start fresh and tackle those tasks we’ve been putting off. One task that we often push to the back burner is end of life planning.

It’s not a topic we like to think about, much less talk about, but it’s a necessary step in ensuring our affairs are in order. January is the perfect month to focus on end of life planning. In this post, we’ll explore why it’s important to take action and get a will and powers of attorney in place while you’re motivated and ready to take charge.

Our New Year Resolutions Ideas are here to help you get your end of life plans started.

Download our app to get the conversation started with your friends and family to understand each other's wishes for your funeral plans, healthcare, what you want to leave as your legacy and the memories you have shared together.

Now you know what your wishes are, write a will and submit your lasting powers of attorney. These along with the MGB app will help those left behind when you have died.

Being more death positive is about facing mortality and with that can bring such positivity to your life now and how you want to live it.

So which, if not all, of our resolutions are you going to do this year?

#2024 Resolutions

Happy New Year to the wonderful MyGoodbyes community!

I am currently in Peru, taking a break and some time to reflect on what is next for MyGoodbyes. To celebrate the new year, people here wear yellow to welcome good luck for the upcoming year - as it is my favourite colour, I couldn't resist joining in!

2023 was an incredible year for us, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for being a part of our journey.

As we move forward into 2024, I am excited about all the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.

By helping each person put together an end-of-life plan or discussing death with someone, we can make a real difference in their lives.

I wish you all a fantastic 2024!

Christmas Shopping Ideas - Part 2

Custom Family Photo Book:
Create a lasting memory by compiling a custom photo book that captures special moments and memories with your family. Include pictures from holidays, vacations, and everyday life.

Experience Gift Certificates:
Give the gift of shared experiences by purchasing gift certificates for activities or outings that the whole family can enjoy. This could include tickets to a concert, a day at an amusement park, a cooking class, or a weekend getaway. Creating memories together through unique experiences can help those family bonds to grow stronger.

DIY Memory Jar:
Encourage family members to contribute to a DIY memory jar throughout the year. Purchase a decorative jar and provide slips of paper along with pens. Throughout the year, family members can write down special memories, achievements, or funny moments and place them in the jar. During the holidays, take turns reading the notes aloud, reliving the shared experiences and creating new memories in the process.

🙏We want to say thank you for following our journey creating MyGoodbyes!

🎁As a gift to you, we have created Club 100 where the first 100 people from our community who sign up for the App will get a lifetime discount of 25% off of our annual subscription to our safe and secure document storage Vault using the promo code in our welcome email.

The Vault is the place to store all your end of life documents together, making them easily accessible whenever they are needed.

🎁🎁 As an extra gift, you will also be invited to our Club 100 ‘How to Host’ livestream, to learn how to get the best out of your own MyGoodbyes Party.

So why not download the app and start putting your plans in place today?

#25%DiscountForLife

The ultimate festive gift guide is here: https://buff.ly/3NoyjzA

Why not choose some more unusual gifts this year and embrace our 'deathy' gift guide!

Monday's motivational quote is a little different this week. It's all about looking at that to do list and cracking on with it!

December is a busy time of the year and we all have to do lists a mile long but the one task that is usually not on there but would be great to achieve on a Monday is your end of life plans.

So why not sign up to MyGoodbyes app and check that item off your list. Trust me, your family would appreciate it. It doesn't take long and can be completed on your commute to / from work!

Christmas gift ideas - Part 1

Easy simple hamper for the book lovers out there. There are so many books you could include to get the conversation started about death but we recommend Evie King's Ashes to Admin. A book hamper isn't complete without a cuppa. So why not add a touch of fun with Tuuli Teas collection.

Calling all

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about putting end of life plans in place for yourself but also having the conversation with those you love about their wishes too. Have you got aging parents that need support with end of life plans? Do you know what their wishes are?

Don't get to the point where you are grieving and wished you knew what their wishes were.

We understand the conversation can be difficult but it is so important to have it. Check out some blogs over on our website on how to approach the topic with your loved ones but just make sure you do it!

Monday December Holiday Special Offer

As a new customer, you automatically get 3 months free of our document storage vault when you register and sign up to MyGoodbyes app. We are offering a December special to get 25% off for a year, using our special holiday discount link in our bio.

So why not register today and give the present of peace of mind to your friends and family for Christmas!

Normalising Death through Christmas Gifts

As the festive season approaches, the Christmas spirit fills the air. It's a time to celebrate with loved ones, show them our love, and share life's joys. But have you ever considered normalizing conversations about death? Many of us shy away from this topic, but why? Death is an undeniable part of life, and it's crucial to make discussions about it more comfortable for ourselves and our loved ones. One unconventional approach is giving meaningful gifts related to the concept of death, creating opportunities for open and light-hearted conversations that bring us closer, and here is why.

Death is an integral part of life that we should acknowledge and embrace. By avoiding the pretence that it won't happen, we can support our loved ones in finding comfort in the process of dying. Further, Christmas is a special time when families or groups often come together, creating an opportunity for more open and heartfelt conversations and finally, let's face it, some of 'deathy' designs are to die for.

This festive season, we've put together a list of Christmas gift ideas that you can give to friends and family to both celebrate life and normalize the idea of death.

Really sad to hear Shane MacGowan has died. He lives on through his incredible music.

This is a snippet from a book I am currently reading and it made me think about how we deal with people that are grieving.

Helping someone who has lost their parents or anyone close to them can be challenging, as it's a deeply emotional and sensitive time. Our tips on how to be supportive during:

Listen and Be Present:
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just listen. Allow the person to share their feelings, memories, and thoughts. Be present and offer a shoulder to lean on without feeling the need to fill every silence.

Avoid Clichés:
While well-intentioned, phrases like "everything happens for a reason" or "they're in a better place" may not provide the comfort you intend. Stick to genuine and heartfelt sentiments.

Offer Practical Support:
Ask if there's anything specific you can do to help. This could be running errands, preparing meals, or assisting with funeral arrangements. Practical support can be invaluable during a difficult time.

Share Positive Memories:
If you have positive memories of the person who died, consider sharing them. This can be a way to celebrate their life and provide comfort to the grieving individual.

Avoid Comparisons:
Refrain from comparing their loss to others or sharing stories of someone else's grief. Every loss is unique, and everyone grieves differently.

Respect Their Grieving Process:
Understand that grieving is a personal and individual process. People may need different amounts of time and support, so be patient and allow them to grieve in their own way.

Offer Practical Help:
Grieving individuals may be overwhelmed with practical tasks. Offer (or just do!) to assist with things like household chores, taking care of pets, or managing daily responsibilities.

Check-In Regularly:
Grieving doesn't end with the funeral. Check in on your friend or loved one regularly to show ongoing support. Grief can be a long process, and people may need support beyond the initial period.

Remember that everyone grieves differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to be empathetic, understanding, and supportive during this challenging time.

When people die in New Orleans, we like to fill the streets with music – a celebration of the person’s life as much as a mourning of his or her death.

A typical jazz funeral begins at a church or funeral home and leads the way to the cemetery. Mourners are joined by a brass band that plays music that starts off heavy and sad but soon turns celebratory. Everybody dances.

”When the deceased is laid to rest – or they “cut the body loose”– the mourners “cut loose” as well. Although the majority of jazz funerals are for musicians, anyone can request one. And, as long as you’re respectful, passers by are encouraged to join in and help celebrate.

Sidney Bechet, the renowned New Orleans jazzman, once said, "Music here is as much a part of death as it is of life."

When I visited New Orleans for my 21st birthday, I was lucky to experience this tradition. I forgot about it until I spoke to my parents that reminded me. We also visited a cemetery whilst we were there and the way they honour their dead is just magnificent.

Have you shared any of your end of life plans with those that you think will most likely have to take action when you die?

Yes or No?