A Different Kind of Resolution: Death Over Dinner
Here we are, halfway through a historic January. I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions—and maybe, if you’re like me, you’ve already forgotten the resolutions you made a few weeks ago. That’s OK. I’m here to offer you redemption. A resolution that is small, tangible, achievable . . . and also involves eating.
I’m inviting you to “the most important and costly conversation America isn’t having”—the conversation about how we want to die. You see, while 75% of Americans say they want to die at home, only 25% of us do. End-of-life care can be incredibly expensive and can bankrupt estates and families. More importantly, the way we die can complicate the grief of those we leave behind. Something needs to change—and change starts with awareness. So, I’m challenging you to dedicate the conversation over one dinner (or happy hour, or nightcap) to the question of how you want to die.
Death Over Dinner is a growing movement that encourages Americans to start engaging in the absolutely critical conversations about how we want to die. Death is a bit of a taboo topic in polite company, so deliberately organizing a dinner to talk about it can be surprisingly liberating. And—take it from me—these conversations are anything but morbid.
From Death Over Dinner:
“We have gathered dozens of medical and wellness leaders to cast an unflinching eye at end of life, and we have created an uplifting interactive adventure that transforms this seemingly difficult conversation into one of deep engagement, insight and empowerment.”
Here is your new (small, tangible, achievable . . . and also involves eating) resolution checklist:
Check out the introduction from the Death Over Dinner website below. You also can visit their website and watch the TED Talk by founder Michael Hebb.
2. Plan a dinner (or happy hour, or a nightcap—all of which can be done virtually!) with friends or family sometime in the next two weeks. (We know you don’t already have plans, so no excuses. If you have kids, put them to bed early and pour your favorite drink.)
3. Then, leave us a comment on Facebook about how it went. We would love to hear about the insights you gained from your conversations.
4. If you haven’t made an estate plan or need to update your plan, Treetown Law is here to help. Schedule a free consultation with us today.
At Treetown Law, we don’t just draft legal papers. We believe that estate planning is an opportunity to take stock of the big picture of your life and how you want to be remembered. Estate plans only work the way they are intended to work—to promote harmony and peace for those we leave behind—when they are communicated effectively. That is why we will continually encourage you to engage in conversations with friends and loved ones about your goals, concerns, values, and wishes, why we offer legacy interviews for those who want to record a video message for loved ones, and why we suggest drafting an ethical will to go with your legal one.
Four steps toward creating your enduring legacy—and checking a 2021 resolution off your list this early in the year? Cheers to that!
