I am in my second week of volunteer training for hospice. This is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. The experience is proving to be nothing like I expected.

I thought that it would be mostly middle-aged women. Our group is composed of 8 women. Of those, half are actually middle-aged, two are in their forties, and other two appear to be in their early thirties.

I expected a lot of informational material, given in form of mini-lectures. Our group, however, is extremely interactive. There is definitely informational material being given, along with a lot of group dialogue. We discuss feelings and emotions surrounding issue of death. We talk about family dynamics, and past experiences. We share our stories and sometimes, our heartbreaks. We also watch videos. These are not videos that average person would find entertaining. These are stories about end of life, told by people who were dying. We also listen to various speakers, all team players in hospice program, and we hear about different scenarios that can go on in homes of clients. These team members talk about what hospice experience has been like for them as nurses, client bathers, social workers, and caregivers.

NUMBER 1 - They Think, Say, & Do Negative Things.

Yup. They see problems in every opportunity.

They complain that sun is too hot. They cursed rain for ruining their plans for day. They blame wind for ruining their hair.

They think that everyone is against them. They see problems but never solutions.

Every little bit of difficulty is exaggerated to point of tragedy. They regard failures as catastrophes. They become discouraged easily instead of learning from their mistakes.

They never seem to move forward because they're always afraid to come out of their comfort zones.

NUMBER 2 - They Act Before They Think.

They move based on instinst or impulse. If they see something they like, they buy at once without any second thought.

Then they see something better. They regret & curse for not able to take advantage of bargain.

Then they spend & spend again until nothing's left. They don't think about future. What they're after is pleasure they will experience at present.

They don't think about consequenses. Those who engage in unsafe sex, criminality, and like are included in this group.

NUMBER 3 - They Talk Much More Than They Listen

They want to be star of show. So they always engage in talks that would make them heroes, even to point of lying.

Oftentimes they are not aware that what they're saying is not sensible anymore.

When other people advise them, they close their ears because they're too proud to admit their mistakes.

In their mind they're always correct. They reject suggestions because that will make them feel inferior.

NUMBER 4 - They Give Up Easily