Living Authentically: The Power of Planning Before Crisis Hits
- Beth Montgomery
- Feb 5
- 2 min read

We talk a lot about living authentically—being true to ourselves, honoring our values, and making choices that align with who we are at our core. But what happens when life throws the unexpected our way? When illness, aging, or the end of life creeps into the picture, the ability to live authentically can quickly be replaced by chaos, uncertainty, and decisions made in survival mode.
The truth is, planning before a crisis isn’t just about logistics—it’s about preserving your voice, your choices, and your ability to shape your own story.
Authenticity Requires Intention
Living authentically means making intentional choices while you still have the power to do so. When we delay thinking about the inevitable, we risk leaving our fate—and the burden of difficult decisions—in the hands of others who may not fully understand our wishes.
Ask yourself:
Do the people closest to me know what matters most to me?
Have I clearly communicated how I want to be cared for if I can’t speak for myself?
Am I living in alignment with my values now, or am I waiting for “someday”?
The hard truth? If we don’t make these decisions ahead of time, they will be made for us. And rarely do those last-minute choices reflect the essence of who we are.
Crisis Mode vs. Conscious Choice
There’s a stark contrast between making decisions in a moment of calm versus making them under stress. When a crisis hits, fear and urgency take over. Choices become reactive rather than intentional. Families are often left scrambling, overwhelmed, and unsure of what their loved one would have wanted.
But when you take the time to plan ahead, you are:
✅ Relieving your loved ones of the emotional weight of guessing
✅ Ensuring that your care aligns with your beliefs, values, and wishes
✅ Creating peace of mind for yourself and those around you
End-of-life planning isn’t just about filling out paperwork—it’s an act of love. It’s about making sure your life is honored in the way you choose, rather than leaving it up to chance.
Your Legacy, Your Choice
Living authentically means living with awareness—even in the uncomfortable areas of life. It means taking responsibility for your future, ensuring that your legacy is one of clarity, love, and intention rather than confusion and regret.
So, what’s stopping you from taking that first step?
If you’re ready to start the conversation and put a plan in place that reflects who you truly are, let’s talk. You don’t have to do this alone.
Living authentically isn’t just about today—it’s about making choices that honor your truth until the very end.