Welcome, let's talk about life!
If only it was that easy. “Life” isn’t a topic that’s frequently discussed. It can be a bit awkward, so it’s often avoided. But from our very first breath, we begin our journey of life. Which is, of course, also the process of death. The two are intertwined and inseparable. Yet, we kinda tuck this fact away, and pretend this giant elephant isn’t sitting in the middle of our lives. Let’s change that. April 14 is “Let’s talk about life day.” The goal of LTALD is to help remove the awkwardness and provide a handy icebreaker. So, let’s talk about life…because ending well begins with a good talk.
April 14 is Let's Talk About Life Day!
You're only here for a short visit.
Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.
~Walter Hagen
Kobe. Covid. Alex. Chadwick. RBG.
Most of us have been touched by the passing of loved ones. A grandparent or a beloved family pet are typically our first introductions to this mysterious phenomenon we call death. After the initial shock and pain, we stumble through the grieving process and eventually settle into a new normal. Then, as they say, life goes on. But 2020/21 was different. Death repeatedly forced its way into our collective conscious, and…kinda stuck around. And just when we staggered back to our feet, death clobbered us again. The Covid-19 Pandemic took millions of people before loved ones could even say goodbye. And several high-profile celebrity passings kept a spotlight on the subject. With that in mind, let’s listen to what 2020 is telling us. Let’s talk about life, so that we’re better prepared to talk about death. None of us are ever 100% ready, but the “year from hell” was a teacher, so let’s get started together! Here’s the plan:
Get Ready
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already ready. :o) Getting ready is just being mentally and emotionally receptive and willing to even approach the whole deal.
Noodling mortality can be pretty uncomfortable (that’s why it’s avoided). That’s totally normal. But if we summon a bit of courage, and lean into the emotions (and weirdness) of it, we’ll see it’s not quite as bad as we might’ve feared.
So we’ve gathered some information and inspiration to help you get into the mindset, and make it a little less weird!
Get Set
Smile, a lot of folks (maybe most) never reach this point in their lives. Also, don’t feel bad if you get to this stage, only to realize you’re suddenly not ready again. No big.
Remember, none of us are ever going to be 100% ready. At some point you’ll feel “ready enough” to step outside your comfort zone.
The tools and resources below will help you “get set” so you don’t have to wing it.
BTW, the info here is just a guide, there’s no wrong way to do this. Do what feels right for your situation(s).
Go!
When we’re “ready enough,” it’s go time! And this is where camaraderie and strength-in-numbers gives us a boost: If we’re using April 14 as our springboard, we’ll have a bunch of folks joining us on this adventure.
This is an opportunity for us to break the ice with our loved ones and talk about life, to share our thoughts and feelings about death, and hopefully start one of the most important and cherished conversations we can ever have.
The info below can help you begin and maintain this epic conversation.
“Let’s talk about life day” is just the start of the conversation.
Information & Inspiration
So you’re sayin’ there’s a chance? My personal “oh crap” moment.
In 2018 I hopped on a bicycle and embarked upon a solo, cross-country adventure to raise money for charity. Whilst planning for the trip, I...
“All the World’s a Stage.” Or, four stages, by Mark Manson’s count.
You’ve probably heard the phrase: “All the world’s a stage.” The phrase is usually credited to Shakespeare from his play, As You Like It, although...
Partying with loved ones who have passed!
While some cultures might seem to tip toe around the subject of life and death, others fully embrace and celebrate it. Mexico's Day of the Dead is a...
Thanks to a super clever book series, you’re gonna say it all!
One of the BEST presents I ever received was an adorable little book of letters from my daughter. The book is actually 10 bound envelopes that...
Coming Soon: A celebrity couple share their personal story of loss
Coming Soon: How does a near-death experience impact life?
Tools & Resources
Ping 'em with a postcard!
No one wants to be “ambushed” with a potentially heavy conversation. So give your loved ones a heads-up with this digital postcard (just copy/paste) or print this PDF and send it snail mail. BTW, this works even if it’s not 4/14. Just say, “Dang it, we missed it, but let’s talk anyway!” Also, while the postcard is still kind of a “get set” tool, it’s also the real beginning of your talk (yaay!).
Sharing is caring (a lot)
It seems that the inertia around getting this particular conversation going is one of the hardest parts. So we’ve put together a handy little guide to help get the party started. It’s not “all inclusive,” but it strikes a balance between thought-provoking, and not being too heavy. Still, it can be challenging work. Take your sweet time and give yourself and your loved ones plenty of grace.
You're gonna crush it!
OK, so you’ve loaded up on info, sent your postcard, filled out your ice breaker and given your loved one a blank copy to fill out. April 14 (or your date) is on the horizon and…you probably have a butterfly or two. That’s OK, butterflies aren’t bad. Just be yourself and do your best (my mom’s advice). There is absolutely no way for you to fail at this! It’s going to be awesome!
Don't cry because it's over,
smile because it happened.
~Dr. Seuss
Please Reach Out if You Need Help!
2020 & ’21 were especially difficult years. And starting a new calendar isn’t a magic cure. The challenges we’ve faced have brought out the very best in many; but sadly, the stress can also bring out the worst. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, food or housing insecurity or suffering from abuse, please know that there are resources available and friendly faces ready to help!
Counseling: For immediate emotional distress call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, more urgent help here, Free help online
Food insecurity: Feeding America
Shelters: Salvation Army, Lotus House, Domestic Shelters, Family Shelters, Doorways, Women’s Shelters,
Domestic violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233