“Planning your funeral should be a priority and to prove why, here’s my plan”
Actual headline of an article by a well-known (I think) British broadcaster, producer, director and columnist, Jasmine Dotiwala.
It’s not that it’s a famous person saying it (except that she has the ability to influence people), but that she’s saying the key word… priority, and saying it publicly. And writing a whole article about it!
Yes, I know, it doesn’t feel like the remotest priority if you’re perfectly healthy, but let’s just not beat around the bush. People kick the bucket every darn day without warning. And have meaningless, empty funerals for no other reason than there were no better plans to follow. Last-minute, without-warning funeral planning is not conducive to creativity, personality, or much of anything very special.
It’s all so easily remedied by just a couple hours’ investment.
Which, by my brilliant design, is fun. How convenient! Talk about a win-win. This is why I do this. Make it easy, accessible, and fun. And maybe… maybe… some thoughtful and smart You, Perhaps? will take me up on it and plan your awesome goodbye. Even in good health, a non-ancient age, a full time job and all the rest of life’s clutter.
To whet your appetite for what’s possible, check out some of Jasmine Dotiwala’s plans:
I’m more terrified by the thought of having a boring funeral; one that doesn’t represent the fabulous life I have lived thus far…
a friend…suddenly passed away, and I know he would’ve hated it. …a hastily arranged affair… simple, fast and didn’t represent his eccentric, music-filled life…
My playlist wishes are for a live orchestra and choir…
As my hearse – covered in bright yellow flowers – arrives at the church, I want Here Comes The Hot Stepper by Ini Kamoze roared…
Instead of traditional hymns, I want my guests to sing my favourite songs, and so all the lyrics should come up karaoke style in front of the congregation…
• To start, the first song will be The Bee Gee’s More Than A Woman…
• As my hearse leaves the building, I want Matthew Wilder’s Got To Keep On Moving. This chorus has often accompanied my gym workouts and dance classes, to keep me going when near defeat…
• As everyone else leaves, the choir should lament a version of After The Love Has Gone by Earth, Wind and Fire…
At my funeral party, I want the theme to be fabulosity.
Guests should be dressed in their most ostentatious, resplendent, fancy outfits…
Remember, this is not a chore. It’s a privilege. An honored opportunity. A once-in-a-lifetime choice to be celebrated and not morbid-mourned. ‘Cause when that final milestone occurs, you really, truly don’t want a joyless, cheerless, devoid-of-you sendoff.
I just have that feeling.