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A Great Quote from Andrew Weil, M.D. and author, in his book
Healthy Aging:
“
I can think of no better way to end this book
than to recommend that you undertake the
composition of an ethical will <legacy letter>.
No matter how old you are, it can be an exercise
that you makes you take stock of your life
experience and distill the values and wisdom you
have gained.
Put the document aside, read it over as years
pass, revise it from time to time...
An Ethical Will < Legacy Letter> can be a
wonderful gift to leave your family at the end
of your life.
But I think its main importance is what it can
give you in the midst of your life."
Benefits of Writing a Life Legacy Letter
Provides personal time to take stock of your
life
Celebrates your personal and professional
growth
Helps you make future decisions with more
clarity and purpose
Speaks to how you wish to be remembered, in
your own words
Reflects on what you still want to do in your
life
Shares family values and history that would be
lost over time
This Letter is a gift to you, the writer, as
well as those who will read
it.
It is often treated as a work in progress so it
is never too early to begin.
Times to Consider Writing
§
When completing / revising your will or estate
plan
§ Birth
of a child or grandchild
§
Special anniversary or birthday
§ After
a family reunion
§
Empty nest period
§
Retirement
§
Move to an assisted living or retirement
community
§ Facing
an illness or major surgery
§
Any time at all
How to Get Started
There is no one right way to write your
Life Legacy Letter….each is as unique as its
writer.
The letter can be one page, 5 pages, 10
pages, or 25 pages. The important thing is that
it represents you, is spoken from the heart, and
holds no anger, blame, or untruths.
Here are some ideas for formatting:
Start with why you are writing the letter and
to whom, using some of the following themes
to organize your letter:
Values and Beliefs I Have Lived By
People Who've Impacted My Life
Lessons I Have Learned
My Proudest Moments
My Definition of Success
Things you may not know about me
My gratitude list
Why I Love You
My wishes for you and my
grandchildren
While of course you can
write your Legacy Letter on your own, many
find it helpful to have guidance, support,
and structured writing exercises to create
this important document. Read on for
information about Legacy Services that are
available.
You may want to attend one of my workshops
or seek individual sessions or perhaps give
a gift certificate to a family member. Read
on for details
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