It’s Emergency Preparedness Month throughout Japan. When earthquakes, torrential rain, and tsunami are likely to strike unexpectedly, it’s smart to have a go-bag. I hope you’ve checked your supplies. If you don’t have an emergency kit, make one!
Here’s something that took me way too long to figure out, the Ending Note is like setting up your emergency kit. This idea is what makes the difference between planning for your death and organizing your life.
Death planning is morbid and depressing and makes you want to go eat ice cream and watch Netflix instead.
Life organization is practical and useful and makes you feel like you have your act together whether it’s an earthquake or a health scare.
The Emergency Access Guide (page 7 of the Ending Note) is probably the most useful single page I’ve ever created. It’s designed for that moment when someone needs immediate access to your essential information – like if you’re in the hospital and can’t communicate, or if there’s an emergency and someone needs to get into your apartment.
It has your emergency contacts, the location of your spare keys, your phone unlock code, and the location of your important documents. That’s it. One page that answers the question “What do I need to know right now?”
I keep a copy with my trusted friend, and just knowing it exists makes me feel more prepared for whatever life throws at me. Not death – life. The messy, unpredictable parts of life where having your information organized really matters.
It’s like an insurance policy, except instead of paying premiums every month, you just spend some hours getting organized once.
Much better deal, if you ask me.
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