Journal Your Legacy

People say, “You can’t take it with you.”

After losing both of my parents within one month of each other in 2011, I realized that we do, indeed, take something with us when we go – our detailed memories. These memories make us who we are: mistakes, life lessons, relationships, our life paths.

Think of the family members you wish were around today to share their anecdotes and answer your questions. After losing my parents, I wanted, more than anything, to have more to remember them by than old belongings and mementos. I wanted written stories, letters, and memories so that I could glimpse into what they thought and felt. And for a brief moment, almost feel them by my side again.

Since then, I’ve been recording some of my own pieces as family legacy. You’ve read many of them as my blog posts – Dad Skis With Me, A Valentine for Mom, Simply Do the Right Thing, A Thanksgiving Message to Buddy and Princess, Building a Life and a number of others.

Some of them are meant only to bring a smile to my kids’ faces and others, I hope, will help them when they are faced with life’s challenges.

“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.”  – Alex Haley 

I’ve also realized that the time has come for many of our children to leave the nest — or maybe they already have. Although you’ve done all you can for your kids – taught them how to be their best possible selves, given them an education, and more importantly unlimited love – there is something else you can do.

Uncover the Hidden Nuggets of Wisdom in Your Life and Share Them With Your Children

You can tap into your unique experiences and pass them on to your children, so they are never left without guidance on their journey through life.

Even if you think the life you’ve lived is “the same as everyone’s,” it isn’t.

As you look back at your life, with all its lessons and adventures and knowledge and skills, there’s so much more you can give. For your kids, grandkids, and their kids after them, you can keep the thread of your legacy unbroken.

You can turn your memories and life experiences into a legacy worth preserving, a legacy that will become an inheritance just as valuable as a car, a house or money – arguably more so.

Journaling a legacy is creating a meaningful record of who you are – your values, wisdom and history – enriched with personal thoughts, reflections and feelings as a precious gift for your loved ones.

Do you want to be remembered for the valuables you leave behind or the values you treasure? For the things that you’ve accumulated or for the gifts of the heart that you possess? You decide.