HOW WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED?

A Guide to Epitaphs

The process of deciding what to put on your own memorial can be both difficult and unsettling. Each of us has a unique and complicated past, so it's difficult for most people to think of one phrase, quote, or saying that encompasses the entirety of one's life. Reflecting on the circumstances of your ultimate demise and the details surrounding that event can be unsettling while we are alive, but it is very important. 

First, what to say?

There are many different ways to answer this question, but one helpful way might be to consider what's at your center, your core. What are you living for? What drives you to be the person you are? What drives you to be the person you want to be? What gets you out of bed in the morning?

For some of us, this might be your religious faith. For others, it might be your family. Or it could be the natural world, your country, your career, or something else. Whatever it is for you, consider including something about that on your epitaph. At the end of your journey, you will want to be remembered for who you were at your core.

Second, why is deciding this now actually helpful?

Obviously, there's the benefit to your loved ones, who won't be left in the dark on how you want to be remembered. During an emotional and stressful time for them, you'll give them one less thing to worry about.

But there's also a benefit to you now. What might that be?

We often let ourselves get consumed by our more immediate daily routines of life and lose sight of the things we care about most. So, taking an hour or two to think through what's at our core and what drives us can actually help remind us who we are and how we should be living differently. This might lead to some important changes in your life.

We all deserved to be remembered rightly, so start the process for yourself today!