The Power of Legacy Projects
Your Story Matters
The Power of Legacy Projects
What’s your legacy?
When you think of your legacy, what comes to mind? A family tradition? A skill passed down through generations? A story that shaped your life? How do you hope to be remembered?
When I got married over 20 years ago, I received many thoughtful gifts, but one stands out to this day: a recipe collection from my aunt. More than a cookbook, it was a treasure trove of family history, filled with stories, photographs, and cherished recipes. It was my first encounter with a legacy project, a tangible and deeply personal piece of my inheritance.
Yes, we inherit physical things, but we inherit intangibles, too. I inherited my grandmother’s knitting needles and her love of baking. I inherited my grandfather’s wood carvings and his life-transforming faith.
Legal wills pass on physical assets like bank accounts, real estate, and family heirlooms. These are important documents that everyone should have, regardless of the size of their estate. But there are other things we pass on that deserve attention, too.
That’s where legacy projects come in.
What is a legacy letter?
Legacy projects come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have the same goal: creating something meaningful to share values, stories, and experiences with our loved ones. These projects encompass our past, present, and future.
As a Certified Legacy Navigator through Living Wisely, an organization co-founded by hospice and palliative care physician Dr. Barry Baines, I experienced firsthand the power of a legacy letter, one type of legacy project. Building on the tradition of Jewish ethical wills, a legacy letter is a document written for loved ones that contains wisdom for future generations.
In his book Ethical Wills, 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.” After my experience, I couldn’t agree more. The product is for my loved ones, but the writing process was for me.
What are the benefits of a legacy project?
1. Legacy projects build stronger family connections.
Studies have shown that children who know their family stories and values have higher emotional well-being and resilience. Sharing these stories isn’t just a gift — it’s a foundation for their future. This is especially true for stories with an “oscillating family narrative” — one with ups and downs. Telling those stories in a legacy letter gives your loved ones the strength to move on from their own difficult moments.
2. Legacy projects provide an opportunity to reflect on life’s values and purpose.
As I experienced through my writing, the understanding gained from legacy projects also helps us live with greater purpose and intent. As I wrote, I pondered that “one wild and precious life” Mary Oliver described. Was the person I was becoming the person I wanted to be? What would my children say about me after I was gone? Would I be remembered as loving and patient, generous with my time and belongings?
These weren’t easy questions to wrestle with as I went through the writing exercises crafted by Dr. Baines. I wrote pages about my family of origin, exploring traits I inherited from my mom and dad. I uncovered themes of gratitude and faith, forgiveness and grace. As I wrote, as uncomfortable as it was, I thought about my inevitable death. As Mary Oliver says in that same famous poem, “Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?” Who and what would I leave behind?
3. Legacy projects provide guidance and wisdom for future generations.
After time spent writing and distilling, I have a legacy letter to share with my loved ones. While many don’t start this process until they’ve received a terminal diagnosis or know they are nearing the end of life, I’m thankful I started the process in my 40s because I hope to revisit my letter for revisions throughout my life. Now I’m writing for my husband and children. In the future, I can write for grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too. And I can keep striving to become the person I hope to be remembered as.
What are some other kinds of legacy projects?
Legacy letters are just one form of a legacy project. There’s also my aunt’s recipe book or my great-grandfather’s autobiography about immigrating from Sweden. Some create video messages with narration and photographs; others compile detailed family tree projects or preserve treasured family heirlooms. These projects can be shared with loved ones while we are alive, but they are also treasured gifts — perhaps included as part of a SendOff celebration — after we are gone. Regardless, the time spent on these projects is well worth it!
Of course, you can take on this endeavor on your own. If you do, start small and give yourself a deadline. However, if you’re looking for a guide, I would love to help. From small group workshops to individual sessions, I can coach you as you write your legacy letter, providing the framework and cheerleading as you finish this important task.
It’s never too early — or too late — to start recording your legacy. Let’s work together to preserve what matters most — your story!
Learn more on my website, Witt Writes, and contact me for more information.
