Inspire End of Life Doula

09/16/2026

Beautifully written 🐾💜

You cannot outrun death. And even when you think you’ve outsmarted her, she is still there.

She’s not the monster you’ve been led to believe. She can be kind, soft, warm and gentle. She cannot help that in her wake she leaves grief, who can feel herself like a monster, but is actually made completely of love once you get to know her.

When you sit with death as often as I do, you learn not to fear her. In fact, you learn that life can be much more cruel than death, and it’s not the worst thing that can happen to an animal, or us. You learn that trying to avoid thinking of her, or pushing her away, ends up causing more problems. Instead, when you acknowledge her, and understand her, the fear dissipates and you realize that what death teaches you more than anything - is to be grateful for life.

The animals I walk home don’t fear death, and I’ve learned so much from them in that process. Death is just a doorway to the next step in our journey, and we can make it a beautiful experience. The sadness. The grief. The loss. That’s coming anyway. It’s not a linear process that we can predict and follow step by step. Whether we like it or not, death is inevitable, so sit with her. Even when I don’t like her, and wish she wouldn’t come so soon, I now understand her much better than before.

No, that doesn’t make it easier to do, but it does make it easier to bear. The heaviness that comes with death is lighter when you understand her better and accept her as much a part of life as air and water and breathing. In many ways, she is a friend to the animals who come here. A welcome relief from suffering and pain they’ve endured for too long.

Be grateful for every single day.

- Helen St. Pierre

09/13/2026

If I Have Done My Job as Your End of Life Doula

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, your family learns how to provide end of life care with confidence and pride.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, your family is not burdened with unnecessary trauma or misguided fears.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, your fears are explored safely. We go at your pace, always.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, your family can focus on their grief, as a natural and healthy extension of their love.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, we will share tears, maybe some laughter, and so much love at your bedside during your end of life vigil.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, your loved ones can someday look back with a mixture of awe and healthy grief at your end of life transition.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, you will be prepared each step of the way, so that you may show up with less fear and an open heart as you face one of life’s most sacred transitions.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, your wishes will be clear so that your legacy may be properly honored.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, your family will take back the end of life experience, and own their stories with compassion and understanding.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, your end of life experience is not judged or fixed, only supported in a way that authentically honors you and your wishes.

If I have done my job as your end of life doula, compassionate end of life care will be returned to the hands of our communities.

Where fear and pain once had a strong hold, love and support can guide the way,

If I have done my job as your end of life doula.

Thank you for being here,

Karli

Send a message to learn more

09/11/2026

This month:

💎What does quality of life mean to you?

💎Why THIS should be the benchmark for how you choose to make care decisions.

💎How to make informed choices based on subjective information. There is no right or wrong, only what is right for YOU.

09/09/2026

Easier said than done sometimes, but still an important reminder. We are encouraged to do so much in this society, to always be on the go. I'm feeling this deeply right now myself. There is often little time for rest, reflection and recovery. Try to give yourself grace, as we are always doing our best in the circumstances we find ourselves in.

Remember that life is built on seasons and cycles, neither the difficult seasons nor the beautiful ones last indefinitely. This reminds us to hold gratitude for the joyful, beautiful seasons, and to practice small moments of radical surrender when life feels painfully out of our control.

If you're having a hard time finding gentleness with yourself in the season you are in, please reach out. You're not alone, and I'm honored to meet you wherever you are at in your healing journey. You don't have to have it all figured out, and you don't have to walk it alone.

09/08/2026

We’re building a community rooted in presence, healing, and heart.

The Good Death Seminar Series brings people together to talk about life and death in a safe, respectful, and inspiring space. Come meet others who care deeply and want to make a difference—just like you.

This month we explore what quality of life means to you and why THIS should be the benchmark for how you choose to move forward. You will learn how to ensure that your decisions are informed and empowered.

Bring a friend, bring an open heart.

Wednesday, September 16th
Marysville Community Center, 1015 State Ave
5:30-7pm
Free

Send me a message and I'll send you the link to register!

09/07/2026

Today, I take a moment to honor the caregivers in our society, both paid and unpaid. I honor the nurses that work long hours, holidays and overtime, caring for our families as they do for their own. I honor the unpaid caregivers, providing 98% of hands-on care to their loved ones facing life-limiting illness. I honor those who show up every day to face our heavier seasons in life, those who offer their presence and help shoulder a bit of the weight when it all feels like too much to carry alone.

I'm proud of my caregiver heart. I'm proud to be a nurse and I'm proud to be an end of life doula. And I hope that you find a moment today to honor the ways in which you show up as a caregiver in this world, and the caregivers who have helped you through some of your more difficult seasons. I know for me, it is an honor to stand beside you in this caregiving profession.

May we never forget that our strength lies in our communities, our connections and the power of the collective working together toward a common goal.

08/26/2026

Did you know terramation was first made legal here in Washington State?

This is a beautiful article from The Stranger about Death Care practitioners local to Western Washington. If you're wondering whether there's a better way for our culture to handle death and grief, this article is worth your time.
__________________

"There is an inherent avoidance in mainstream culture when it comes to witnessing death. We keep it at an arm’s length, not spending time with decedents’ bodies. Most of us don’t create rituals and altars. We’re discouraged from taking bereavement time, and we lack the language to openly talk about death and grief. Instead we embalm bodies, put them in impenetrable coffins, separated from nature and public view. We lean on practices that are quiet, restrained, and profoundly misaligned with the realities of death and grief."

08/26/2026

I can't wait to see you at the Good Death Seminar Series tomorrow!

The Good Death Seminar Series is a 12-month community education program designed to empower families, caregivers, and communities with essential end-of-life knowledge and compassionate understanding. A recent Medicare study revealed that 98% of hands-on end-of-life care is performed by untrained
family caregivers — even when hospice is involved. This lack of preparation can lead to trauma, confusion, and unnecessary suffering. The Doulagivers Good Death Seminar Series was created to change that — by giving families the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support a loved one through this natural stage of life.

This month we will cover the essential things you need to know to choose your Healthcare Proxy. You'll learn how to choose the right healthcare proxy, clarify the language often misused in medical systems, and ensure your proxy honors your true values and wishes. I hope you'll join us for The Good Death Seminar # 4!

Don't forget that we are welcoming two guest speakers this month, Peter Garcia Jr., owner of Seniors Helping Seniors Everett and Mary Ann Higgins, Senior Companion Program Coordinator with Homage Senior Services.

If you're not yet registered, please reserve your spot to learn more about these vital services available to our community! Link available in the comments, or reach out directly and I'll make sure we reserve your spot.

See you tomorrow!

Karli

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

Tell the people you love that you love them, as often as you can. 💜

Tiny Buddha

08/19/2026

What is a Healthcare Proxy? How do you pick the right one?

You might be surprised to hear that it's not always your spouse!

Next week at The Good Death Seminar Series we will be having a thoughtful discussion about the key things to look for in a Healthcare Proxy, and what to do if you do not have a family member you can choose to fill this role.

A few spaces remain! I hope to see you there. 💜