The Legacy Project: How Do You Want to Be Remembered?

We spend our lives building — families, businesses, memories, homes. But how often do we pause to ask: How do I want to be remembered?

That’s the heart of The Legacy Project.

Legacy isn’t about wealth or accolades. It’s about meaning. It’s about the invisible thread that connects us to the people we love — and the ones who will come long after we’re gone. It’s about creating something tangible that holds our values, stories, lessons, and essence. Something our children, grandchildren, or community can hold in their hands or hearts and say: “This is who they were. This is what they stood for. And this is what they left behind for me.”

What Could Your Legacy Look Like?

There’s no one right way to build a legacy — only your way. Here are a few meaningful paths you can take:

Write a Memoir or Life Story: Document the big moments — and the quiet ones. Share how

you made decisions, found courage, or changed direction. It doesn’t need to be perfect — just honest.

Record a Legacy Interview: Whether on video or audio, let your voice tell the story. Answer questions like: What do you regret? What have you learned about love? What do you believe matters most?

Create a Family History Book: Blend your story with ancestry, culture, recipes, photos, and heritage. Show your family where they came from — and how far they’ve come.

Write Letters to Future Generations: One letter for each child, grandchild, or even someone not yet born. Or leave messages to be opened at milestones: weddings, graduations, or when they need guidance.

Curate a Personal Soundtrack: The songs that carried you. That broke your heart. That brought you joy. Music tells stories in ways words can’t.

Plant a Legacy Garden: A living memory. Each bloom a symbol. Each season a reminder that something you planted keeps growing.

Make Art, a Quilt, or a Scrapbook: Use your hands to tell your story. Stitch your beliefs, collage your hopes, sketch your past.

Write an “Ethical Will”: Not legal, but emotional. Your values. Your wishes. Your vision for a life well-lived.

Create a Family Tradition: Start something that brings people together — a Sunday dinner, a yearly beach trip, a “remember when” storytelling night.

Teach What You Know: Film yourself cooking your favorite dish, or leading a meditation. Pass on rituals, skills, and the way you do things.

Build a Digital Archive: Photos, voice memos, journals, family trees, timelines — a curated online vault of who you were.

Give and Share the Why: Start a fund or donation in your name — and tell your loved ones why it mattered. Let your generosity speak for your heart.

Your Legacy Doesn’t Have to Be Grand. It Just Has to Be Yours.

You don’t need a publisher, a film crew, or a massive trust fund. You just need to begin. One

page, one photo, one message at a time.

The Legacy Project is a call to remember that our lives are stories — and every story deserves to be told. Whether you're 28 or 88, it's never too early (or too late) to ask:

What will I leave behind?

And perhaps even more importantly: Who will it help become more of who they are?

If you’re ready to begin your Legacy Project, I’d love to support you. From creative guidance to digital archiving and storytelling tools, I’m here to help you create something beautiful, lasting, and deeply you.

Let’s start writing your legacy — together.

If you are Interested in learning more about how you can leave a lasting legacy - please contact me at EpilogueCare@gmail.com.

Sally Gabriel Ph.D.

Certified End of Life Doula & Certified Grief Educator