Let's Talk About It: Reframing the Conversation Around Death and Dying

**Let’s Talk About It: Reframing the Conversation Around Death and Dying**

By Joy Wirta, CEO/End-of-life doula E.X.I.T. – It’s Going to Happen

We plan for weddings. We prepare for births. We plan for retirement. But when it comes to the one certainty we all share — death — we often avoid the conversation entirely. Recently, in a YouTube chat for EXIT Talks, a death doula mentioned pushing the status quo; I like that we are not pushing boundaries. We are pushing the status quo.

At E.X.I.T., we believe it’s time to change that.

Talking about death doesn’t have to be morbid, grim, or uncomfortable. Reframing how we think and speak about dying can bring incredible peace of mind, connection, and clarity. Plus, it can save you money to have your wishes defined—for yourself and the people you love.

So, what if we planned for it instead of fearing the end with love, honesty, and even a bit of grace?

Why We Avoid the Conversation

Let’s be honest: death and dying is emotionally charged. It brings up fear, grief, uncertainty, and sometimes conflict. Culturally, we’ve been taught that we only deal with it in a crisis — not something we prepare for or even talk about around the dinner table. Fight or Flight mode is not the best practice.

But silence doesn’t protect us. It often leaves families scrambling, overwhelmed, and guessing at a time when they’re already hurting.

A New Perspective: Death as Part of Life

Reframing the conversation around death starts with one key truth: death is not the opposite of life—it’s part of it. Planning for it isn’t morbid. It’s responsible. It’s compassionate. And, believe it or not, it can be deeply empowering. I wish to be part of my own Exit strategy. I want a safe space to talk about our wishes, share our stories, and document what matters most. We give a gift that will continue long after we’re gone.

What Reframing Looks Like

Here are some ways we can shift the narrative:

From fear to preparedness: Talking about death doesn’t hasten it; it just ensures we’re ready when the time comes. End of life planning can remove the fear by addressing it in a structured way.

From taboo to trust: Open conversations strengthen relationships, clarify values, and ensure that wishes are honored.

From burden to peace: A well-documented plan can relieve loved ones of guesswork, conflict, and legal stress.

Planning becomes more approachable, secure, and meaningful with tools like the Exit app and our amazing Home Hospice North end of life doulas, who educate the community that it is okay to use your voice.

How E.X.I.T. Supports the Conversation

E.X.I.T. was designed to make end of life planning easier — and more human. It’s a digital vault and communication platform where users can safely store and share:

Final wishes

Wills and important documents

Legacy letters and goodbye messages including a legacy video

Funeral preferences

Family recipes, photos, and even their care team info

It’s a tool for storytelling, connection, and thoughtful preparation — a gentle companion for a difficult but necessary journey.

Let’s Normalize the Talk

You don’t need to have all the answers. You need to start the conversation.

Ask your loved ones what they want. Tell them what matters to you. Use tools that help guide the process, including speaking to a death doula if it helps or using an end of life planning app like Exit. Whether you’re 27 or 87, the best time to plan is before it’s urgent.

Because when we stop avoiding the end, we start embracing what matters most about the life we’re still living.

Ready to start your conversation?

Explore how EXIT Life Ready App can support you and your family at www.exitlifeready.com

I am exit-ready, are you?

Until next time...

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