“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Perilles

How many times have you wondered about your distant past? Where did your family originate? Who was your great grandfather or great grandmother? Are you related to royalty, a famous explorer or revolutionary scientist?

It is a wonderful gesture to leave a gift of family history to the ones you love. Now is the time to record your knowledge about yourself, mother, father, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members – to record your knowledge of each one, where you and others were born, who you and they are or were, including occupations, hobbies and interests.

Also, list crucial information about your family’s medical history, facts which may be life saving for your children and grandchildren. It is amazing how much information each of us has about our families and how deeply this information will be treasured.

Currently I’m recording my life with the help of a program entitled: My Life in a Book. Each week, for 52 weeks, the program prompts me with a question such as: ‘When and where were you born and who was present at your birth?’; ‘What are your favourite memories of your mother/father?’; ‘What’s the most important advice your mother gave you?’

At the end of one year of answering questions, the program will create a full-colour book of treasured memories and life stories, including photos I’ve added. My plan is to present copies of the completed book to my children.

Irrespective of what method you use to record your memories, here are some topics you may wish to consider:

– A listing and description of values and beliefs
– Things learned from grandparents, parents, children, spouse(s) and others
– What you’re grateful for
– Hopes for the future
– Important events in your life and the lives of relatives
– Things you regret not doing
– The happiest times
– Lessons learned the hard way
– The importance of spirituality

If you are a financial advisor, doctor, nurse, teacher, or other thought leader, why not introduce your clients/patients/students to the notion of legacy.

– Encourage them to write down as much as they know about themselves, their parents, and other relatives, best memories, words of advice, and other thoughtful information.

As part of your ‘value added’ remember to celebrate achievements – this is one of the best ways to keep your client, patient, student on track, motivated, and inspired.

“A man (or woman) cannot leave a better legacy to the world than a well-educated family.” Thomas Scott