When was the last time you wrote a letter?
It’s a question I posed on my social media feeds last week.
In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, in a world that increasingly spins on instant gratification, a heartfelt, personal letter from one person to another seems to be almost a thing of antiquity. Yet, it can be the greatest gift you ever give or receive.
This year, I introduced a new service at Kate Meadows Writing & Editing, at the request of a friend and colleague – the Legacy Letter. A Legacy Letter is a fervent and honest piece of communication that represents how you want to be remembered by someone. There is no “one” way or “right” way to write such a letter, but at Kate Meadows Writing & Editing, we guide our clients through questions that address 6 categories:
- Vision – What you envision for your letter recipient’s future. This is an opportunity to reflect on your relationship with your letter recipient, what makes that relationship unique and what you want for your letter recipient after you’re gone.
- Advice – What advice you want to leave for your letter recipient. Think about your experiences or worldview. How is the advice you have shaped by those things? Why are you the person to give the advice? Why should the advice be meaningful coming from you specifically?
- Affirmations – Here is an opportunity to shower your letter recipient with praises, mentioning particular strengths and passions. What do you love/admire most about the person you are writing to? How do their strengths contribute to a better world?
- Regrets/Apologies – Take time to reflect on any regrets and/or apologies you have as they relate to your letter recipient. This is a section to encourage healing if and where healing is needed.
- Memories/Stories/Traditions – What memories do you want to preserve when you’re gone? What stories you want to pass down? What traditions have been important to you?
- Instructions – Any logistical or administrative instructions important for your letter recipient to know for after you’re gone.
The Enduring Impact of Words
As a writing coach and editor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of words. Words have the unique ability to transcend time and space. Writing, at its most foundational level, is communication. When carefully crafted into a Legacy Letter, your words become a bridge connecting past, present, and future. These letters serve as vessels for our most cherished memories, hard-earned wisdom, and deepest values. They allow us to share the essence of who we are, what we’ve learned, and what we hope for those who come after us.
Building Lives Through Legacy Letters
A Legacy Letter is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our loved ones and future generations. These letters can offer:
- Guidance during difficult times
- Inspiration to pursue dreams
- Comfort in moments of doubt
- A sense of belonging and family history
Legacy Letters have the power to shape lives long after we’re gone. By sharing our experiences, challenges, and triumphs, we provide future generations with a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities.
In our fast-paced digital age, the art of storytelling through written words is more precious than ever. Legacy Letters capture the essence of our personal narratives, ensuring that our stories and memories endure. They become time capsules, preserving the richness of our experiences for future generations to explore and cherish. By putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), we actively participate in shaping how we’ll be remembered and the impact we’ll have on future generations.
While the content of a Legacy Letter is deeply personal, the process of writing one can be challenging. At Kate Meadows Writing & Editing, we offer three options for helping you bring a Legacy Letter to life: a DIY question list, a 1-1 consult to help you overcome writer’s block and structure your thoughts effectively, and a video script/shoot to capture your literal voice. Learn more about these options and get in touch at Legacy Letter Services – Kate Meadows Writing & Editing.
Legacy Letters are far more than mere words on a page. They are powerful tools for building lives, preserving memories, and crafting legacies. In a world where material possessions often take center stage, a thoughtfully written Legacy Letter stands out as a gift of immeasurable value. It’s a piece of yourself, carefully crafted and lovingly shared, that will continue to impact lives long after you’re gone.
Your words have power. Your words matter. Use them wisely, use them lovingly, and let them be the foundation of a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
