What will you leave behind after death?

The Current State of the World Creates a New perspective on Death and What Legacy You will Leave Behind

In the world today there are two narratives. Either you are on the front lines being confronted with sickness and death daily.  The other side of the story tells of those who are staying at home seeking out new ways to distract themselves from all that is unknown right now. 

“Stay-at-home” is the new catchphrase.   Everyone is using it as a reminder to keep them self safe, healthy and avoid contracting the covid-19 virus that has created this pandemic.  It’s amazing how society and media have adapted to this unprecedented event.  Whether you are on the front lines or staying home this experience gives us all a new perspective.  

Death and Illness is the Headline Everyday.

 Waking up every morning to a death count can really get you thinking about your own mortality.  Now more than ever we know that life is unpredictable and that the time of death is unknown but a guarantee for all.  So have you had that thought yourself? What if I were to die? Would I leave anything undone?  What is on that “to-do” list that could change the way you live out the rest of your life? How do you want to be remembered after your death? What do you want to pass on and who do you want to leave your legacy to?

What legacy will you leave when you die?

There is no better time than now to take inventory of your personal belongings as well as the legacy that you want to leave behind.  Take this time to get the thought process and conversation started. 

Assets you have, family heirlooms, jewelry, a mindset, or a relationship.  Whatever it is that you want to leave behind for your loved ones after your death start to create that legacy now. 

As they say “thoughts become actions”. The first thing to do is get that thought process going.  Here are a few ways to help you do just that.  

• First start with physical items that you want to pass on after your death.  Make a list of everything that is of importance to you or expresses a special connection you have with a loved one. 
• Once you have a complete list of items you would like to pass on, next write about the story behind each and why it is of importance.
• Each piece that you leave behind will have a legacy of its own with a story to tell.  Having a written explanation of what it means to you can also bring more importance and value to whom you are leaving it to. 
• Now that you know what you want to pass on and the story behind it is written, label with each piece whom you want it to go to and why. Ask yourself why would this piece in particular go to said person.  Think of shared experiences or stories that your loved one can look back on that relate to the piece.  

When someone dies the first thing that people do is to start to talk about the legacy that person leaves behind. Death and sickness is more prevalent in the news than ever. The pandemic has made it the lead in every news story we see. Be proactive about planning what you want to leave behind. Create the legacy YOU want to be carried on to future generations.