What Is an Ethical Will
Most
people are familiar with a traditional will, which is a legal document
explaining the distribution of an estate upon an individual’s death. An ethical
will, on the other hand, communicates non-material possessions one would like
to pass on, such as wisdom, apologies, advice, principles, stories from the
past, and hopes for the future. Sometimes referred to as forever letters or
legacy letters, ethical wills have an ancient religious history rooted in the
importance of reflecting on one’s life and recording beliefs.
Why Have an Ethical Will
Taking
a step back from materialism and pondering what is truly meaningful facilitates
a sense of fulfillment and contentedness. An ethical will ensures that loved
ones have a permanent record of the values you always worked to instill and
that your presence is kept alive for the years to come. Writing can be
cathartic for anyone struggling to work through transitional or traumatic
events, so legacy writing can also be especially therapeutic for those nearing
the end of life.
How to Create an Ethical Will
Ethical
wills have no set format, so you can write it however feels natural. Many
people prefer to organize their message as a letter, addressing a single note
to their loved ones collectively or several separate letters individually. For
some, an informal journal approach might be a less intimidating way to get
thoughts and feelings documented. If you struggle to come up with the right
words, consider including favorite quotes, lyrics, or Bible verses. Don’t limit
yourself to writing, either; videos are also a popular option.
Begin
by considering what you want future generations to know about you and about the
world you live in. What were some of the happiest and the most challenging
times in your life? What do you know now that you wish you would’ve known
sooner? What do you find to be life’s greatest gifts? Keep in mind that you can
create your ethical will at any point, and you can always go back to make
changes.
More
Interested
in hearing more about the importance of ethical wills and legacy writing? Check
out Scott Zucker’s TEDx Talk, “Why ethical wills are the greatest gifts of love
and how to create one.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CFXLQl9aEg