The concept of memento mori—remembering that we are mortal—is often viewed as morbid or macabre. But for those who embrace it, acknowledging the brevity of life isn’t about dwelling on the end; it’s about celebrating every single moment we have.

In this episode, I share a very personal journey that has been years in the making: the process of choosing a final resting place and designing a gravestone for my mother, my husband David, and myself. From the historic hills of Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery to the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, this story is about more than just logistics—it’s about values, intentionality, and the peace that comes with being prepared.

Whether it’s establishing a plan for companion animals or choosing local, sustainable materials for a memorial, we explore how end-of-life decisions are ultimately for the living. It is a gift of clarity for those we leave behind and a final opportunity to express the passions—from wildlife gardening to music—that define our “one wild and precious life.”

In this episode you will learn:

* How acknowledging our “expiry date” can lead to a more joyful, grateful, and purposeful daily life.

* Why having wills, trusts, and even “house-sitter instructions” for death makes the grieving process easier for survivors.

* The environmental differences between traditional fire-based cremation and “green” water-based alkaline hydrolysis.

* Why we moved away from a remote “green forest” burial in favor of a historic, local cemetery we visit and love.

* My six-year journey to overcome the “paralysis” of designing a memorial and why we chose native California granite over imported stone.

* A sneak peek into the symbols and inscriptions—from Puccini lyrics to Mary Oliver quotes—that will represent our lives and our loves.

* How having a physical resting place helped navigate the difficult ritual of mourning during the 2020 lockdowns.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Food for Thought, celebrating 20 years of practical inspiration for living compassionately, sustainably, and healthfully.

This podcast is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Additional Resources

👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for.

👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.

👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.

👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com/subscribe