I can see you roll your eyes as I repeat (for the millionth time?) one of my mantras: Gratitude evaporates frustration. But it’s true, isn’t it? I’ve had so much to be thankful for in my life: the love of family, a faith that changed me from the inside out, jobs that paid bills so I can be generous and enjoy hobbies and travel, a community where I felt at home, and so much more.
There’s scientific proof that gratitude changes us for the better, makes us happier. Some days it’s easier than others, but I really hope you focus on the many things — big and small — that you are thankful for.
You three are all at the top of my gratitude list.
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This is an ex
cerpt from the most recent draft of my legacy letter, written directly to my husband and two sons. In my letter, I focus on the most important values and lessons I’d like to pass on to my family when I’m gone. It was challenging to write, but the results are worth it. I felt a greater sense of clarity about who I am and what is most important to me. (Spoiler alert: It’s not money or fame.) And I also have something valuable to pass on to my family that goes beyond the physical assets my sons will inherit.
The process of writing this letter was made easier because I wrote it as part of my training to become a Certified Legacy Navigator through Celebrations of Life, an organization co-founded by Dr. Barry Baines, a hospice and palliative care physician and author of the book Ethical Wills. In his book, Dr. Baines writes:
Both professionally and personally, I have become a strong proponent of the legacy letter as a vehicle for clarifying and communicating the meaning of our lives to our families and communities. I strongly believe that those who wish to reflect on and share life’s experience will find a legacy letter a useful tool.
Through my sessions with Dr. Baines, I gained confidence in not only writing my own legacy letter but also in helping others to write theirs.
I’m excited to announce that I will be available to help clients and friends of Schromen Law, LLC go through the process of writing their own legacy letter. This work combines my background in teaching writing with the long-term and end-of-life planning provided by Schromen Law, LLC.
Much of our work at Schromen Law, of course, focuses on the passing of your physical assets. What will happen to your house, your investments, your special collections, your jewelry? Those are all important things to consider, but perhaps even more important is thinking about the other things you want to pass down: the values, beliefs, life lessons, love and hope for the future that you want to leave to future generations. Legacy letters can outlast even your wealth, and they can also make an impact on your present — through the therapeutic benefits of writing the letter and through sharing your sentiments with your loved ones now while you are still living.
From a free workshops, the first being held in July, to small group and individual sessions, I look forward to working with others in recording their own legacy. Please contact us if you’d like more information!
Kimberly@SchromenLaw.com
The material contained herein is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to create or constitute an attorney-client relationship between Schromen Law, LLC and the reader. The views expressed in this article are not a statement of support or endorsement by Schromen Law, LLC. The information contained herein is not offered as legal or medical advice and should not be construed as legal or medical advice.
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