A reflection on advance care planning and honoring one’s wishes
🎵 Plan for Tomorrow
Plan for Tomorrow
Life keeps moving like waves on the shore
But have you thought what you’re living for
When the storm rolls in and skies turn gray
Who will speak for you on that fateful day
Write it down make it clear let your voice be heard
Your wishes in ink not just spoken word
Plan for tomorrow while the sun shines bright
So your heart can rest in the still of the night
The rhythm of life can’t be controlled
But choices are treasures more precious than gold
Don’t leave it to chance don’t leave them guessing
Advance your care it’s a lasting blessing
Write it down make it clear let your voice be heard
Your wishes in ink not just spoken word
Plan for tomorrow while the sun shines bright
So your heart can rest in the still of the night
It’s not about fear it’s about respect
For the life you’ve built and what you protect
Hand in hand with love we pave the way
To honor your choices come what may
Write it down make it clear let your voice be heard
Your wishes in ink not just spoken word
Plan for tomorrow while the sun shines bright
So your heart can rest in the still of the night
Visual Companion: Path of Intention
Thoughtful preparation is a final gift to those we love.
Behind The Song
Musical Snapshot
Style: Reggae
Tempo: Upbeat and relaxed
Key: E♭ Major
Time Signature: 4/4
Primary Instruments: ʻUkulele, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards
Inspiration
Many people know they should complete an advance directive, yet postpone the conversation because it feels uncomfortable or they believe there will always be more time. I wanted to create a song that encourages people to start planning early and see advance care planning as an act of love rather than fear.
Visual Companion
Path of Intention was created as the visual companion to Plan for Tomorrow. The birch forest symbolizes the importance of choosing our path before reaching life's crossroads. Together, the painting and song remind us that planning ahead is an intentional act of love.
The Lesson
The song teaches that future planning is a gift to your loved ones. By discussing your wishes and completing an advance directive, you help ensure your voice is heard.
Why It Matters
Without guidance, families are often left making difficult decisions during times of crisis. Advance care planning provides clarity, reduces uncertainty, and helps loved ones honor what matters most.
Musical Style
A reggae style made this difficult topic feel approachable and hopeful. The relaxed island groove transforms a challenging conversation into one that feels positive, practical, and empowering.
Emotions
Reassurance, confidence, hope, and peace of mind.
Listen For
Listen for the rap outro, which reinforces the message that planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts we can leave our loved ones.
Facilitator's Guide
Some Conversations Are Acts of Love
There are conversations many of us hope to postpone.
Conversations about wishes.
About uncertainty.
About what matters most when life becomes more fragile.
Yet planning ahead is not an abandonment of hope. Often, it is an expression of care.
These conversations are rarely perfect. They may begin quietly at kitchen tables, during hospital visits, or in brief moments when courage unexpectedly appears. Sometimes there are tears. Sometimes relief. Sometimes long silences that hold more meaning than words.
What matters most is not having all the answers.
Instead, it begins with the willingness to gently ask:
What would bring comfort?
What feels important to you?
What kind of care would feel most like yourself?
For some families, this may include completing advance directives or choosing someone trusted to speak on their behalf. Though difficult, these decisions can become profound acts of love—helping guide future care with clarity, compassion, and understanding.
Planning ahead can ease uncertainty and become a lasting gift for those we love.
There is tenderness in preparing.
There is grace in honesty.
And sometimes, deep love begins with simply starting the conversation.
Caregiver Pearl: Plan early, worry less.
Discussion prompts
- What would you want others to know about what matters to you?
- Who would you trust to speak for you if you could not?
- Have you shared your healthcare wishes with people closest to you?
- What should your healthcare provider know about you?
Suggested activity
Write a sentence beginning “If I could not speak for myself, I would want you to know…” and practice saying it to a partner or silently.
Facilitator notes
Offer a private writing option and bring locally appropriate advance care planning resources. Invite participants to describe how their family makes decisions.
Circle ground rules
- Keep personal stories confidential. Share what you learn and leave names and identifying details in the Circle.
- You may pass, listen quietly or step out at any time.
- Speak from your own experience. Listen with respect for different beliefs and caregiving practices.