Do you think of death as an ally, something to appreciate and celebrate? If you are like most people, your answer is likely a horrified ‘No!’. But, on May 5th, renowned speaker, Stephen Garrett, wants to change your mind. His is a loving, humorous, highly thought-provoking approach to death. At its heart, his message is simple: to really live, you have to fully and consciously accept the inevitability of the end of life. Not the end of ‘a’ life. The end of YOUR life.

“The reality is, the moment we were conceived we were already on a path towards dying. No one is getting out of here alive. When we push death away, we’re pushing life away too,” explains Garrett.
“Death has a bad rap. The whole Grim Reaper notion has really damaged our relationship with death. Media has sensationalized – glorifying and horrifying – something that is entirely natural. If we can change from the Grim Reaper idea of death to something that is more graceful, loving and open, we can focus on life instead of focusing on running from death. And we can prepare well for death – I’m talking about making sure we have the conversations with loved ones that we need to have, and taking care of the necessary will, advance care planning documents, personal directives, etc. to make sure your final chapter and legacy is what you want.”
Rather than being a dark, morbid or gothic discussion, Garrett’s presentation is in turns a hysterically funny, incredibly personal, and fundamentally inspiring call to action. There are things you can do – practical, simple, effective things – that will make the end of your life easier on both you and your loved ones. From estate planning and will creation to a primer on the discussions you need to have in advance of your death, Garrett will leave you prepared for death and ready to live.
“The moment I open my mouth on that stage, I can feel the audience all take a breath in. I can feel them energetically backing away from the stage because death is not something our culture talks about, and certainly not something we talk about in any kind of positive context. So, I use humour and stories to help the audience exhale and relax and then, when we’re on the same page, we can talk honestly about why accepting death is the most fundamental part of living.”
This is a must-hear for anyone who expects to die regardless of whether the end of your life is approaching soon or still (hopefully) far off. His thinking may not change how you die but it will likely change how you live.
“Now that I’m so clear on death, I’m aware of how lucky I am to be on the green side of the grass. When people embrace their death, it ends the whole concept of a bucket list. It becomes a life list. People don’t delay hugging you today or saying I love you today when they realise they might not have a tomorrow. I’m not encouraging death to hurry up and come get me but I’m certainly not going to waste time today by living anything less than fully.”

Come listen to Stephen Garrett speak in person: presentations will take place on May 5th at the Osoyoos Golf and Country Club (2:00 pm) and, in Oliver, at Medici’s Gelateria (7:00 pm). Tickets are $10 each available at Office Pro (Osoyoos), Beyond Bliss (Oliver), and Medicis (Oliver).