TRANSITION - noun:

: a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another.

: something that links one state, subject, place, etc. to another

: a connecting part or piece

- Merriam Webster Dictionary

What is Live and Die Wise?

I'm Maria Verdicchio, and I specialize in supporting people in navigating life transitions, including death. I offer a range of services to guide you in connecting with your life, clarifying your priorities, and making informed decisions, so you can live fully in the present.

Through group workshops, nature therapy, life transition ceremonies, and personalized advance care planning sessions, I cover important areas such as:

1. Encouraging open conversations about mortality and the reality of death.

2. Cultivating an appreciation for the limited time we have in life.

3. Increasing self-awareness about your feelings and beliefs regarding life transitions, including death.

4. Helping to identify who and what truly matter to you.

5. Leaving a legacy for loved ones, your community and future generations.

6. Empowering you to plan ahead for your inevitable death and after-death care.

7. Building a sense of connection and social cohesion.

My goal with end of life planning is to help you gain clarity and effectively communicate your priorities and wishes regarding your health, personal care, legacy, and after-death arrangements. Taking these steps will bring peace of mind and minimize anxiety, regret, and conflict as you approach the end of your life - whenever that may be!

Why should you think about your death?

Whether you're an empty-nester, approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, approaching death, or planning a family, I'll help you make informed decisions about your end-of-life care and ensure that your wishes are honored.

My personal journey with death and grief began in childhood when I struggled to express my feelings and fears after the loss of my grandparents. Over the years, and through many life transitions, I witnessed the deaths of friends and family, but no one talked about it. So, I started to delve deeper into the cultural, emotional, and philosophical aspects of death and discovered similarities to other life transitions. This exploration helped me become more self-aware of my own beliefs, and more resilient, and I felt empowered to create a more meaningful life. Now, I offer a pragmatic and compassionate approach to help others confront the reality of their mortality.

I work with individuals and groups, both online and in-person. My sessions and workshops are informative, interactive, and engaging, providing you with the necessary tools and resources to feel confident and prepared for the next stage of life.

Using inquiry-based learning and compassionate coaching, I guide individuals and groups in exploring, discussing, and preparing for the reality of mortality in a way that is personally meaningful.

Death can be a scary subject because it involves the unknown. However, by acknowledging and accepting your mortality, and understanding your wishes and beliefs about the end of life, based on your values, you’ll discover clarity and purpose in the present. Recognizing how your death impacts your loved ones, community, and colleagues will inspire you to live your life with greater impact.

Please have a look around my website and book a 30-minute call if you’d like more information, and to see how I can help you, your family or employees.

Thank you,


Maria

End of Life Designer | Nature & Forest Therapy Guide

Blog Posts

‘I found this very helpful in starting the planning process. Maria was excellent at leading us in a patient, professional and caring way. Very glad to start working on this.”

- K., Workshop participant

“Maria is an excellent facilitator. She explained what to expect, delivered the material with ease and engaged the group’

- B., Workshop participant

FAQ

  • Advance care planning involves making decisions about your future healthcare preferences in the event that you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. It includes documenting your wishes and appointing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney to make medical decisions on your behalf.

  • Advance care planning is important because it allows you to maintain control over your medical treatment even if you are unable to communicate your wishes. It ensures that your healthcare preferences are known and respected, reduces the burden on your loved ones who may otherwise have to make difficult decisions, and helps alleviate potential conflicts among family members.

  • Several documents are commonly involved in advance care planning. They may include a living will, which outlines your healthcare preferences, a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney, who is authorized to make medical decisions for you, and additional documents like a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, which specifies your preference regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

  • Because you are going to die, and you don’t know when or how. Unless you’re immortal (?) Significant life events like marriage, having children, or reaching retirement age often prompt individuals to begin considering their end-of-life wishes. Then, it's important to review and update your plan periodically as your circumstances change.


  • Lack of control: Without an end-of-life plan, decisions regarding your medical treatment, care, and asset distribution may be left to others, such as family members or medical professionals, who may not know your preferences.

    Family disputes: The absence of clear instructions can lead to disagreements among family members regarding your care and the distribution of your assets, potentially causing strain and conflict.

    Unwanted interventions: Without specific instructions, you may receive medical treatments that you wouldn't have desired or endure unnecessary suffering.

    Emotional burden: The lack of guidance can place a significant emotional burden on your loved ones who are left to make challenging decisions without knowing your wishes.

Start here!

Get a FREE worksheet from Willow End of Life Education - ‘5 Steps To Successful End of Life Planning Conversations’ and get started with your Planning

download your copy here

Listen to my 6-minute interview with CHIN Radio Ottawa

(The introduction is in Italian, then switches to English.)

Navigating Life Transitions

Life is a series of transitions, and acknowledging and preparing for these transitions can greatly impact our overall well-being. Whether it's a joyous occasion like getting married, welcoming a new family member, or achieving a milestone in your career, or a challenging experience like going through a divorce, approaching menopause, or coping with the death of a loved one, each transition carries its own set of emotions and adjustments.

When we approach life transitions with intention and mindfulness, we can make informed decisions that align with our true selves. This not only helps us cope with the challenges that arise but also allows us to embrace the opportunities and joys that come with each new phase of life.

Preparing for life transitions goes beyond just practical considerations; it involves exploring our emotional, spiritual, and personal needs as well. It's about creating a roadmap that guides us through changes and helps us navigate the unknown with a sense of purpose and direction.

rainbow sky

Life Transition Ceremonies

Acknowledging and honoring life transitions in a ceremonial way, empowers us to embrace change, live authentically and enter each new chapter of life with confidence and a clear mind.

Whatever your religion or spiritual beliefs, I’ll help you mark important life transitions (including death) by designing and facilitating a ceremony for you or your loved ones.

I meet you at whatever stage of life you’re at, to help you mark transitions in life - pet loss, moving, divorce, menopause, retirement, etc., in order to move into and embrace the next phase of your life.