You may think your life wasn’t particularly remarkable. But your perspective, your voice, your journey? No one else can tell your story. It’s your legacy.
When people think of legacies, they often think in terms of finances — inheritances, wills or estate plans. But a legacy is also the story of who you are, the experiences that shaped you, the values you hold and the wisdom you’ve gathered across a lifetime.
You can provide a unique gift for your family and generations to come by creating a legacy that goes beyond wealth. You have the opportunity to capture and share life stories that will live on.
Take a look at the following ideas if you would like to learn ways to build a legacy that’s rich, personal and deeply meaningful.
Creating a Legacy: Why Your Story Matters
Your children, grandchildren and beyond will want to know the real you, not just what you did. It is such a gift to offer them a chance to hear your voice in their head when they face hard decisions. Or to pass on your stories at dinnertime, or to comfort themselves when they miss you.
Documenting your legacy is ensuring that your story doesn’t get lost.
Creating a Legacy: Reaching Beyond the Financial
When considering your legacy, the following list can get you started on what you might decide to leave behind:
- Your life story or family history
- Words of advice or life lessons
- Values, traditions and beliefs
- Letters to loved ones
- Photographs and the stories behind them
- Recipes passed down through generations
- A record of firsts and favorites (first love, favorite song, biggest risk)
- Stories of resilience, mistakes, faith and forgiveness
Where to Begin When Creating Your Legacy
Think about all the things that money can’t buy — and what is often the most cherished possession of all. This can be the foundation.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to documenting your life story. The best method is the one that feels manageable and authentic to you. Below are a few ways to begin:
1. Creating a Legacy: Write a Life Story Journal
Start with prompts and see where your answers take you, such as:
- What was life like when you were a child?
- What lessons did your parents or grandparents teach you?
- What do you want your great-grandchildren to know about you?
- What were your proudest and most challenging moments?
You don’t have to write every day or even chronologically. Just begin. One story at a time. You can put it all together later.
2. Creating a Legacy: Write Love Letters
These letters won’t replace your legal will — but are expressions of emotional significance. Think heartfelt writing to your children, grandchildren or others important to you. It might include:
- What you love about them
- What you’ve learned in life
- What you hope for their future
- What matters most to you
3. Creating a Legacy: Record Your Story Out Loud
If writing feels like too much, speak instead. Use a voice recorder or your phone. Just talk. Tell stories like you would over a cup of coffee with a loved one.
Families can also create audio interviews byasking loved ones a few simple questions and recording the responses, which make beautiful keepsakes.
4. Creating a Legacy: Build a Memory Book
Include photographs, captions, documents, favorite sayings or short reflections. You don’t need special skills — a 3-ring binder and some printed pages can be just as powerful as a professionally bound book.
If it would be helpful, consider working with a local volunteer, chaplain, or staff member who can help organize your story.
Ideas for What to Include in Your Memory Book
Here’s a list of thoughtful topics that go beyond the basics. Even one or two stories from this list can leave a profound legacy:
- Your childhood games and favorite meals
- The love story of how you met your partner (or what you learned from heartbreak)
- Military or service experiences
- Major world events and how they shaped you
- Mistakes you made — and what they taught you
- What courage looked like in your life
- Hobbies you loved and why
- Hard decisions you had to make
- Family traditions you hope to continue
- The funniest thing that ever happened to you
- Moments you felt truly seen or loved
5. Creating a Legacy: Involve Your Family
Adult children often wish they had asked more questions while they had the chance. If you’re reading this as a family member — consider these ideas.
- Set up a weekly story chat and record it
- Ask open-ended questions like, “What are you most proud of?” or “What’s something most people don’t know about you?”
- Help organize written or spoken stories into a printed or digital keepsake
- Encourage your loved one to speak freely — don’t worry about grammar, accuracy or perfection
This isn’t about making a history book. It’s about building connections.
6. Creating a Legacy: Final Thoughts
One day, someone you love will hold your words in their hands — or hear your voice in their mind — and feel closer to you. They’ll remember not just what you did, but who you were and what mattered most.
That’s the power of a legacy.
Assisted Living at Presbyterian Village North
We believe in empowering residents to live life on their own terms, regardless of age or abilities. Our Assisted Living neighborhood is designed to help you or your loved one maintain a sense of independence and autonomy while receiving the individualized support needed to thrive. With a focus on preserving dignity, our trained professionals provide assistance with daily activities such as dressing, grooming and medication management, all while encouraging social engagement and personal growth.
Our community offers a range of services to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable, including restaurant-style dining, wellness programs and a monthly calendar of social and cultural activities.
With a nurse onsite 24/7 and a variety of spacious and thoughtfully designed residences to choose from, Presbyterian Village North is the perfect place to find peace of mind and enhanced quality of life.
Reach out today by calling (214) 355-9000 to learn more about how we can provide the care and support you or your loved one needs, all within a vibrant, caring community.