Don't go into denial that you have a terminal illness.
If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or a debilitating disease that will take years before you finally die, accept that you are dying. Of course, a miracle may happen, but it may also not happen at all, so learn more about your illness. It is better that you know how to take care of yourself or how to deal with the disease once it progresses. Not accepting it will not add more years to your life anyway. Accepting it, ironically, may.
Develop a grateful attitude.
Try counting all the blessings you have right now and the blessings you received in the past instead of focusing on your illness, the situation, or the end of it all. Things to be grateful for can be what you can still do right now, material possessions, caring friends and family members, caregivers, your still functioning body parts (including your mind), the food you eat, and anything that is beneficial to you. There must be at least one thing you can be thankful for right now.
Show a quiet spirit as much as possible.
It is natural and understandable to whine and complain about your health issues and the circumstances around you. You may have feelings of fear and anger as well. These feelings are valid. However, they are also counterproductive. Grumpy sick people do not arouse compassion. Why make people want to hate you? Hard as it is, do your best to lessen the complaints and anxiety. If you need to release all those pent-up feelings once in a while, try to explain why you are feeling what you are feeling and then apologize for ranting. If you explain why you ranted, people will understand where you are coming from. People will also be more forgiving if you apologize. You see, human beings generally do not really like to hear the aches and pains or worries of any person. They have their own problems to contend with.
Do the things you've always wanted to do if it is still possible.
There must be a hobby you've always wanted to do or a book that you've been wanting to read or a project that you've been waiting to start but had no time to do before. Now is the time to do one of these activities while waiting for your final hour. It will also divert your attention from your illness and make you feel more fulfilled. It will also give you a sense of purpose during the remaining days of your life.
Take the advice of your doctors.
Do not defy what your doctors have told you about your medication, therapy, nutrition, and change of habits. Accept that you are sick and are no longer the same person you used to be. Stop being such a hard person to be with. You should realize that it is frustrating to your caregivers to see you go against what is supposed to be good for you. You cannot have your way all the time and be stubborn about it, especially now that you are terminally ill. So please, be an easy person to take care of. At least, no one can accuse you of not trying to stay healthy as much as possible and not wanting to fight your illness.
Forgive those who've hurt you and ask for forgiveness from those you've hurt.
Now that you are on your last days, it is better to get rid of all negative emotions as much as possible. Have a contrite heart and ask for forgiveness from those you can still ask them from. Admit your wrongdoings to them. In your heart, forgive those people who wronged you in the past even if they did not ask for your forgiveness. If you can, try to mend broken relationships and reconcile with loved ones who no longer want to see you nor talk to you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Start having a spiritual walk.
This may not be for everyone, especially those who do not believe in God, but praying and having quiet moments with God will hopefully tame the angry spirit within you. You can be honest with God and really say what you feel, even if you are angry. Let God be your shrink.
Smile once in a while despite your condition.
Once you've fixed your mental attitude and behavior, try to develop a smiling face even if it is hard. You don't need to do it all the time, but it helps if you can show outwardly that you are accepting your situation gracefully. No one wants to see a gloomy or angry face even if it is warranted in your case. Remember, you don't need to do it all the time, but practice smiling every now and then and it will even do wonders on what you are feeling at the moment.
Be courteous.
Not feeling well does not give you the right to be rude to people, especially your caregivers. Don't allow your pain to rule your words. Say “thank you” every time people help you. Use “please” and other courtesy expressions. There may be times your pain will make you rude, but apologize at once. You see, no one wants to be around rude people, especially rude people who are sick and helpless.
Terminally ill people need not be a burden to anyone. If they can accept dying gracefully and live out these principles, they will be a joy to be around with for the rest of their lives. You, if you are dying, can choose to be this kind of person!
