Shoji Bridge, Departure Doula

09/09/2025

WHY CHOOSE TO HIRE A Departure DOULA? What do I do?

You might be surprised by all I do, but one of my primary callings is that of a compassionate companion.

Compassionate Companion:

If you need someone to be with your loved one so you can have a break from caregiving

If you or a loved one have received a life-limiting diagnosis

If your loved one has elected hospice care

If you are experiencing grief

If you’re ready to work with me in one of these areas, or if you’re even just a little bit curious about these things, send me a DM today and let me know what’s on your mind.

09/03/2025

PLANNING, PRESENCE and PURPOSE 💫

I say my brand and business is all about Planning, Presence and Purpose. But what does that mean for my clients and you? Here are a few examples: Real people I’ve helped when they needed my presence during a difficult time or help navigating and starting the end of life journey with planning. 🤝🤗

I’m so grateful for their trust during this vulnerable time of life. Send me a DM if you are ready to start the conversation.

And if you’ve used my services in any capacity or I’ve been able to impart knowledge or comfort to you in any capacity, I’d really appreciate a testimonial or review. 💛

09/02/2025

It's never too early to start the work to secure your legacy. As a departure doula who specializes in advance care planning, l urge you to take charge and take care of the important documents and information your family and loved ones will need to access when you die. It's NEVER too early, but it could be too late.

By gathering all this information - personal, medical, financial, digital and more - you empower yourself and your loved ones, ensuring peace of mind during life's transitions. I have a Papers, Pieces, Plans and Peace “Kit and Kaboodle” for gathering it all in one place for $167.

I have coaching packages that provide practical tips, expert advice and gentle guidance to help you be informed and proactive about advance planning and get all your documents completed and together. You can complete as little or much as you need to take care of all the papers and pieces and plans for exactly what you need for peace of mind.

Don’t wait. Get started today. Ask me how.

08/25/2025

If this was your favorite school lunch, you need to finish all your end of life plans and documents.

☑️ Advance Directive / Healthcare Proxy / Living Will

☑️ Living and Aging Well Plan

☑️ Funeral / Memorial / Body Disposition

I have three different coaching packages to help you do as little or as much as you need.

Drop a 🍕in the comments if you’d like to know more.

08/15/2025

“Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.”
Thomas Jefferson. (Whew, boy. There’s a lot to unpack in this quote from a slave owner and the current state of the world.)

A quick internet search for “health and happiness” returns dozens of people who equate and pontificate about the importance of happiness for good health and good health for happiness.

“Happiness is good health and a bad memory.”
Ingrid Bergman

These two things coexist so closely it is seemingly impossible to determine if one could exist without the other. If you are in peak “physical” health, but depressed and miserable, are you truly healthy? Certainly not in a holistic way: spiritually, emotionally or mentally.

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”
Joseph Pilates

If you are full of bubbly giddiness, inner peace and contentment, but have a life-limiting illness or facing a terminal illness, can you be truly happy? Working with people who are aging, dying or facing health challenges, I unequivocally believe so.

“I have chosen to be happy, because it is good for my health.”
Voltaire

But happiness doesn’t just happen, anymore than physical fitness/health just happens. Both require practice. Especially in times like these.

“A sad soul can be just as lethal as a germ.”
John Steinbeck

It’s Happiness Happens Month, y’all. Happiness and joy are the antithesis of the fear, hatred and violence surrounding us. It’s an act of radical self-care and rebellion.

What are your favorite activities to increase happiness? We need an arsenal.

08/15/2025

I’ve been reviewing literature and materials to create more resources for grievers and those who love them. I came across some notes I made when I read “What Happened To You?” by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph. D and Oprah Winfrey.

It emphasizes the importance of connectedness and being present for those you love. We can all learn how to be more present with those we love, and it’s one of the most powerful skills we can use to help and heal.

“You don’t want to talk about the pain or loss or fear for forty-five minutes. You want to talk with a really good friend for maybe two or three minutes about some aspect of it. … Moments. Fully-present, powerful but brief.”

I’ve been lucky to have some fully-present moments with people who care about me this week. I hope you have, too. While the world continues deluging us with painful distractions, loss and fear, it’s more important than ever to find some powerful fully-present moments for you and yours and guard them well. ❤️

08/13/2025

If this affects you, I promise your kids need you to get all your important paperwork together soon.

Call me and I can help. With the paperwork. Not the internet. 😀

08/12/2025

I've been doing some work on defining my brand the past few weeks, and figured It was time to share a bit more about myself and work. I get questions nearly every day about what I do.

I'm Michelle, a certified End-of-Life Doula Specialist and certified Master Grief Companion and Coach. I offer in-person service to my community in Southern Indiana and Louisville, and "virtual" services around the country.

My number one value and strength: Compassion. I approach everyone with empathy, kindness and non-judgement, whether you are dying, grieving or providing care to someone who is. My service is rooted in presence and care, because no one should have to do any of this alone.

If you or a loved one is facing a terminal or life-limiting diagnosis, or if you want to be more comfortable with your mortality so that you can make advance care plans, I do that.

If you're a caregiver who is seeking guidance with daily routines, emotional overwhelm, household help or coordination of care for a loved one who is aging or ill or dying, I do that, too.

If you're grieving or seeking compassionate companionship that's personalized, deeply emotional and spiritual for legacy work, rituals or planning during life's transitions, I can do that.

Let's talk about how having a Departure Doula now can help you or a loved one have a more peaceful life. Schedule a free consultation to begin having the conversations you've been avoiding.

07/30/2025

I was cleaning out screenshots on my phone and found this. It is from / Megan Devine. I love it. The Sea Serpent of Toxic Positivity speaks to me today.

How ‘bout you? What area in the map do you keep getting lost in?

If you want someone to explore alongside you, I do that as a master grief companion.

We may get to someplace new.

We may wander a bit and get lost exploring beautiful waterfalls.

Your grief journey is unique and isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Love you. ❤️

07/28/2025

07/25/2025

Is there a scent that instantly reminds you of a loved one? What memories does it elicit and how does it make you feel?