A project of End in Mind, The Art of Difficult Conversations is a virtual space for people to practice the skills necessary for having difficult conversations about the challenges we all inevitably face – from tough discussions about work or family, to talking about illness and decline, death and dying, or grief and loss. We do this by using art as a doorway into exploration.
Explore AODC
In Our Hearts
A mosaic reflects the beauty in what’s broken. It takes the shards of what was and transforms them into something vibrant and new.
Our lives are mosaics of loss, but loss can lead to growth, new insights and new beginnings. Our digital mosaic honors loved ones who’ve died and the lessons they taught us.
We also salute those who live with meaning and inspiration at any stage of life. Make a donation in a loved one’s memory.
By Richard Leider “To be what is called happy, one should have (1) something to live on, (2) something to live for, and (3) something to die for. The lack of one of these results in drama. The lack of two results in tragedy.” (Cyprian Norwid, Polish poet) The life…
I’ve been thinking about the tenacity, creativity, and stamina required of caregivers. If you’ve ever been a caregiver, you may see some of yourself reflected in those words. One needs to be a tenacious advocate for an ill loved one as they try and navigate a confusing and often confounding…
By Richard Leider What kind of life do you envision at 50? 60? 70? 80? 100? Will you retire? Should you retire (ever)? When is the right time to retire? What will be the defining purpose of your days? Instead of narrowing your focus as you age, will you widen…
Recently, a beloved friend texted me the sad news that his father had died. “It’s over,” he wrote. “Shikata Ga Nai.” He is right. Shikata Ga Nai is the Japanese phrase for “It cannot be helped,” or “Nothing can be done about it.” For those of us who like to…
