Thinking about medical decisions isn’t always easy, but taking a moment to plan ahead can give you and your loved ones real peace of mind. A living will lets you stay in control of your healthcare choices, even if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. Consider this your gentle nudge to check in—whether you’re creating a living will for the first time or reviewing one you already have.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind as you reflect on your wishes:

• A living will can ease the emotional load on your loved ones by giving them clear direction during stressful or unexpected situations.
• It spells out exactly how you feel about certain medical treatments, including life support, resuscitation, and other major interventions.
• This document removes uncertainty for doctors and family members so they can make confident decisions that match your values.
• Your choices are honored and respected, even when you’re not able to speak for yourself.
• If you don’t have a living will yet—or if it’s been years since you reviewed yours—this is the perfect time for a thoughtful check-in.

Give yourself the space to think about what matters most, then take a step toward ensuring your wishes are clearly documented. A little attention now can make an enormous difference later—so go ahead and review or create your living will today.