On July 4, Carolyn Golbus, a life coach and author, tragically lost her life in a bicycle accident in Aspen. The incident occurred as Golbus and her partner, Gary Gleason, were cycling to meet friends and watch the Independence Day parade. Moments before the accident, the couple had been reflecting on the success of their collaborative book, “Meeting Your Magnificence: 111 Ways to Live from Your Higher Self.”
Gleason described that moments before the accident, “She was so excited,” he said. “We were talking about how everything in life felt perfect — our book, our relationship and how much we love each other. Then someone opened their car door without looking, and it took her out.”
Golbus, who wasn’t wearing a bike helmet, would not regain consciousness from the impact. She died at age 60 from her injuries on July 12 at a hospital in Denver.
Her death cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory time. Just days before the accident, the pair had finalized edits on their book, signed off on their website and approved their business cards. After the couple spent the last 11 years together, Gleason is now left to carry forward their shared vision and Golbus’s legacy of spiritual awakening.
Gleason said the timing of the writing was a journey that reflected her personal and spiritual growth. “Carolyn started writing this book 30 years ago but realized she wasn’t wise enough yet, so she put down her pen,” he said.
She revisited the project seven years ago and invited Gleason, a photographer with a journalism background, to join her.
Initially, Gleason’s role was to help edit the book and write proposals for publishers. “We got some nibbles but no bites,” he said. That’s when Golbus proposed transforming the book into a coffee table format. Gleason’s photography would complement Golbus’s spiritual insights with intimate floral images to enhance the book’s themes.
“The photos evolved over time,” Gleason said. “We decided on close-up, intimate shots of flowers — sometimes so abstract you couldn’t even tell they were flowers at first. Carolyn even took some of the photos and helped edit them. It was a true collaboration.”
The process wasn’t always easy, but it strengthened their relationship. “We learned not to take differing opinions as judgment or criticism. It was an evolution in our partnership,” Gleason reflected. “The last six months of our 11 years together were the best, and I attribute that to the collaboration on this book.”
The couple worked tirelessly, editing the manuscript through multiple rounds with their publisher, Brown Books Publishing. One of the most intense sprints came during a 2023 trip to Scandinavia, which Gleason described as “having the most beautiful botanical gardens because of how much rain they get.”
“We were about to turn in the manuscript, but Carolyn read it again and said, ‘We have to do another edit,’” Gleason recalled. “We spent much of that holiday passing the book back and forth, taking additional photos and finalizing details.”
Their publisher provided valuable input, suggesting adding “Putting It Into Practice” sidebars to end each chapter, inviting the reader to engage in deeper self-reflection. The book’s 111 chapters, designed to be read in brief moments of reflection, offer spiritual messages paired with exercises and stunning floral photography.
“It’s like 111 therapy sessions for $40,” Gleason said with a good-hearted laugh. “Each chapter leaves you with a sense of peace, completion and unity. It’s something everyone is looking for.”
Gleason recalls the joy Golbus brought to everything she did. “She didn’t work on the book unless she felt inspired. That’s just how she lived her life,” he said. “This book is about loving yourself, loving thy neighbor and feeling the unity of what we truly are — God, universal intelligence, source or whatever you want to call it.”
Despite Golbus’s absence, Gleason continues to promote the book through signings and events. “Not having her here makes it less joyous,” he admitted. “But this book is going to help a lot of people. This book is beautiful, and the wisdom is simple and deep.”
At each event, Gleason honors Golbus’s memory using a rubber stamp with Golbus’s handwriting to “sign” books with her signature and a little heart taken from a love letter she wrote to Gleason. “It’s a sweet way to include her,” he said.
As he reflects on their journey, Gleason finds solace in Golbus’s wisdom. “During the last few months, she kept saying, ‘We’re in such an easy period right now. Let’s soak it up because life will challenge us again.’ She was right. Life has brought me this challenge, but it’s also brought me an opportunity to grow and expand.”
Gleason will sign books at True Nature Healing Arts in Carbondale on Dec. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. as part of the Bonedale Winter Bonanza. Books are also available at Carl’s Pharmacy, Sashae Floral Arts and Gifts in Aspen and at www.MeetingYourMagnificence.com
