Legacy Statements

What's a legacy statement?

It's a document or letter that spells out the values, beliefs, life lessons, hopes and formative experiences that have guided your life.

Ethical wills and legacy letters are two forms of legacy statements. The only difference is one of format. A legacy letter is addressed to a specific person or persons-for example, adult children individually or as a group, a friend, or a life partner. An ethical will is a slightly more formal statement which may be read by whomever its author chooses.

Usually legacy statements are a few pages in length, but they can be whatever length you wish. I have seen statements as short as one page and as long as 30 pages.

They may be shared whenever and with whomever you choose. For example, you may choose to give copies of your ethical will to your children or spouse when the time seems right. Or you may include it along with your will as a gift to your heirs. At least one individual recorded his legacy statement on a CD for distribution to everyone who attended his memorial service.

Why write one?

• Writing a legacy statement provides you with the opportunity to pass on not just your valuables, but your values. It is an enduring and precious gift to present and future generations, because it makes explicit how your life has been guided by principles and shaped by significant experiences.
• It often opens the door to deeply meaningful conversations with loved ones - conversations that likely wouldn't happen without it.
• It is a gift to future generations who will not know you. Your statements will provide a window into the person you are, and may guide their own reflections.
• Writing a legacy statement is a very rich and satisfying experience. It stimulates us to take a broad view of our lives - to think about our lives as a whole. It helps us more fully understand the meaning and impact of our time here on Earth.

When do people write legacy statements?

People of all ages can benefit. For example, it can be a part of the estate planning process. Some of my clients have written ethical wills as they prepared for marriage or the birth of a child. A serious or life-threatening illness can provide the stimulus to write a legacy letter. This wonderful, life-affirming tool is available to anyone who wants to use it.

How can you assist me with a legacy statement?

• I can meet with you in person or by phone for a one or two-hour conversation in which I help you identify what you might wish to include in your legacy statement. We can make a digital recording, and, if you wish, I can create a transcript to guide your writing. Or I can write a draft of your legacy statement from our conversation. You can then make revisions as you wish.
• I offer legacy statement workshops. There you can actually make a start on your legacy statement, receive guidance if you become blocked, and share your reflections with others.
• We can meet for a consultation (in person or by phone) if you want to write a legacy statement but find yourself blocked or resistant.
• I can assist you in making an audio or video recording of your legacy letter.

What are your qualifications for working with ethical wills?

I have completed the qualification process to work with ethical wills through Barry Baines (link). Dr. Baines, a hospice physician, revived the centuries-old tradition of ethical wills and wrote an excellent book to guide the writing of legacy statements.

Trained as a non-denominational spiritual companion, I have listened to a wide variety of people talk about their faith experiences, beliefs, values, ethical dilemmas, and significant experiences for over 15 years. I use these listening skills in particular when helping people write legacy statements.

Why not just do it on my own?

Of course you can do it yourself! There are many books and websites available to guide you. (Links.) But many people find it helpful to work with another person, especially a person who is not part of their story, to get at those deeper themes and flesh them out more fully.