As a hospice social worker and death doula, I have had the profound experience of walking alongside many individuals during their final moments. The insights collected over years of service have impacted not just my understanding of life, but also my approach to voting and civic engagement. Each person’s final words carry weight, revealing regrets that transcend personal experiences and point towards broader societal issues. In the landscape of this contentious election year, I find it essential to share the perspectives I have gleaned—what I call the “deathbed regrets voter guide.”
My journey began nearly three decades ago after obtaining a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. With a mission to support terminally ill patients across Los Angeles County, I encountered people from diverse backgrounds. As a young social worker at just 32, many expressed their life lessons openly. They spoke not only of their own regrets but of the universal themes that emerged from their experiences—insights that have shaped my own values and, subsequently, my voting choices.
Time and again, I heard individuals lament not having invested more energy into nurturing relationships with family and friends. They regretted the moments spent chasing wealth and power instead of prioritizing love and care for others. Such reflections delineated the importance of community. It illuminated for me the necessity of fostering environments where the basic human needs of food, housing, and healthcare are met—not just as individual rights, but as collective responsibilities.
Many expressed a longing for balance, regretting their overcommitment to work at the expense of life experiences. A pervasive culture emerged within their stories, one in which economic pressures often overshadowed the human need for rest and recreation. The emphasis on hard work is often misguided and leads to burnout and missed opportunities for joy. These regrets are not merely personal failings but are indicative of a systemic issue that demands a reevaluation of work-life balance and corporate responsibility.
Additionally, I encountered mournful reflections on healthcare access, as countless individuals wished they had sought medical help sooner. Financial barriers often precluded necessary treatments, culminating in catastrophic health outcomes. Their profound losses highlight the fragility of a system that allows monetary constraints to dictate health—a question of moral urgency that every voter should contemplate while assessing candidates.
It might seem unconventional to draw insights from the dying as a framework for evaluating political candidates, but for me, this approach has proved invaluable. I find myself scrutinizing candidates not just by their policy proposals, but through the lens of compassion and understanding fostered by those at the periphery of life. Do they genuinely care for the less fortunate? Are they driven by a desire to uplift communities rather than solidify power?
As I peruse platforms and read up on candidates, I seek those who advocate for essential services and an equitable distribution of resources. Questions loom large: Are the candidates promising to resolve the healthcare crises that plague our society? Are they committed to creating work environments that promote well-being for employees through living wages and generous leave policies?
This election cycle serves not only as a pivotal moment for policy decisions but as an opportunity for voters to reflect on the kind of society they wish to cultivate. After all, every vote represents a commitment to values—compassion, equity, and community support. This introspection, rooted in the profound lessons from those nearing the end of their journeys, encourages us to engage more thoughtfully with our democratic processes.
By employing a “deathbed regrets voter guide,” we honor the wisdom imparted to us by those who have lived and reflected deeply. As we approach the polls, let us do so with intention and clarity. Our choices extend far beyond candidates; they express our desires for a society that prioritizes human dignity and the well-being of all citizens.
Conclusively, it is a privilege to channel these insights into a call for action—a reminder that our decisions shape not just our lives, but the collective journey of our community and nation. As we prepare to cast our votes this November, may we heed the lessons of those who have walked this path before us and ensure that we do not carry our regrets into the future.
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