Empowering Choices Through Narrative: The Link Between Writing Your Own Story and Advance Care Planning
- Valoria Walker
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Writing your own story offers more than just a chance to reflect on life’s journey. It can be a powerful tool to clarify your values, priorities, and wishes, especially when it comes to advance care planning. For many aging adults, the idea of making decisions about future medical care can feel overwhelming or distant. Yet, by crafting a personal narrative, you can take control of your story and ensure your voice guides important healthcare choices.
Write Your Story Day challenges you to tell your story in written form.
You may think, "There's nothing in my life to tell." You may be surprised. As the thoughts begin to flow in your mind, you may find the words flowing and filling the pages as you put pen to paper or fingers on the keyboard. Words have a way of triggering memories.
March 14: National Write Your Story Day is a Great Way
to communicate your preferences for medical treatment in case you become unable to speak for yourself. This often includes creating an advance directive, a legal document that outlines your wishes for care. Writing your own story helps in several ways:
Clarifies personal values
When you write about your life experiences, beliefs, and what matters most to you, it becomes easier to identify the types of medical care that align with your values.
Supports meaningful conversations
Sharing your story with family or healthcare providers opens the door to honest discussions about your wishes, reducing confusion or conflict later.
Strengthens autonomy
Taking the time to express your preferences in your own words reinforces your control over future decisions, even if you cannot communicate them directly.
For example, a woman in her seventies wrote about her love of independence and her desire to avoid prolonged hospital stays. This narrative helped her family understand why she chose to limit aggressive treatments in her advance directive.
Practical Steps to Use Your Story in Advance Care Planning
Writing your story doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some steps to guide you:
Reflect on key life moments
Think about experiences that shaped your views on health, illness, and care. What lessons did you learn? What fears or hopes do you have?
Describe your values and goals
Write about what quality of life means to you. Is being at home important? Do you want to prioritize comfort over life extension?
Express your wishes clearly
Use your story to explain why you might accept or refuse certain treatments. This can make your advance directive more personal and easier to understand.
Share your story with loved ones and doctors
Conversations based on your narrative help ensure everyone is on the same page.
Review and update regularly
As your life changes, revisit your story and advance directive to keep them current.
Overcoming Barriers to Conversations About Advance Care Planning
Many people avoid talking about advance care planning because it feels uncomfortable or sad. Writing your story can ease this by:
Providing a gentle way to start the conversation
Helping you organize your thoughts before discussing them
Offering a lasting record that family members can refer to when emotions run high
For instance, a man who struggled to talk about his wishes found that sharing his written story with his daughter made their conversations easier and more productive.
The Role of Autonomy in Advance Care Planning
Autonomy means having the freedom to make your own choices. Advance care planning is one of the few ways aging adults can maintain autonomy over their healthcare when they might lose the ability to communicate. Writing your story is an act of self-determination. It ensures your voice remains central to decisions about your care.
By clearly stating your preferences in your own words, you reduce the risk of unwanted treatments and help your loved ones respect your choices. This can bring peace of mind to everyone involved.
Tips for Writing Your Story
Be honest and specific
Include details about what matters most to you and why.
Use simple language
Avoid medical jargon to make your story accessible.
Include examples
Describe situations you want to avoid or embrace.
Keep it personal
Your story is unique and should reflect your individual journey.
Consider professional help
Some people find it helpful to work with a counselor or professional experienced in advance care planning. Setting an appointment with Valoria Walker of Doula by Destiny provides you with the opportunity to express your medical preferences in a non-judgmental session. As you begin to interweave your story into creating an advance care plan, seeking help from Doula by Destiny will support your autonomy while opening paths of clarity.
Encouraging Conversations Through Storytelling
Once your story is written, use it as a starting point for conversations with family, friends, and healthcare providers. These discussions can:
Clarify misunderstandings
Build trust and support
Help others feel prepared to honor your wishes
Remember, advance care planning is an ongoing process. Your story and conversations can evolve as your circumstances change.
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