Dying is Expensive. And the Hidden Fees? Even Worse.

What most people don’t realize is that grief isn’t just emotional—it’s physical, mental, and even spiritual.

Death doula training is all about learning how to support the dying and their loved ones through the end-of-life process.

Trauma can be a catalyst for change, and in 2015, I experienced a loss that changed the entire trajectory of my life.

A Death Doula (also called an End-of-Life Doula) provides non-medical, holistic support to the dying and their loved ones.

Dying is Expensive. But It Doesn’t Have to Be. Here’s a little reality check: The average funeral costs as much as a used car.

Living authentically means making intentional choices while you still have the power to do so.

Let’s start here: guilt isn’t inherently bad. It’s actually a pretty normal human emotion.

Disenfranchised grief is when you feel sad about a loss that other people don’t seem to understand or accept.

Without a will or any legal paperwork, many families face probate court, which is a legal process to sort out the estate.

Choosing a green burial isn’t just about what happens when we die; it’s a reflection of how we choose to live.

Grief feels especially loud right now. It’s like the lights, the music, the constant cheer—it all shines a spotlight on what’s missing.

Let’s be honest: talking to your parents about their end-of-life plans isn’t the dinner table chat anyone’s dying to have (pun intended).

Grief doesn’t come with a rulebook, and it certainly doesn’t take time off for the holidays.

Planning for death might sound grim, but it’s the most freeing thing you’ll ever do—and here’s why.

So, what can death teach us about life? Here’s what I’ve learned.

Most people are completely unprepared when death arrives—whether it’s their own or someone they love. That’s where a death doula comes in.

Grief isn’t just about losing someone; it’s about any kind of loss or change that impacts our lives.

This isn’t just about money; it’s about freeing up emotional space for those we care about so they can focus on healing and remembering.

Facing the reality of end-of-life planning is difficult for many, and financial preparation is often one of the most daunting aspects.