I've lived a blessed life, which I try not to take for granted. If you're reading this before I turned 80, remember it's not the days in your life, but the life in your days.
I'm grateful to my parents from bringing me into this world and making sacrifices for me and my brothers, giving us all the opportunities anyone could ever hope for. If you could pick your family before you were born, this would be it. My family has been supportive from
My father who would always drop whatever he was doing to come to my aid. My brothers who, despite busy lives, always carve out time for family. And my mom who has instilled in my the confidence to pursue creative endeavors and helped me see there's more to life than getting ahead. Life begins & ends with family.
To my wife of so many years with her unwavering devotion, despite being a pill from time to time. I give her credit for making me a kinder person and fostering so many wonderful friendships which have been the tapestry of our life together.
To the teachers who have been patient and taught me so much, and the students who've entrusted in me to share my passions - I'm equally grateful.
To the many clients over the years who have given me a livlihood and allowed us to build a life on the central coast, which has always been a peace of heaven on earth.
Traveling adventures both near and far, to live or visit, with all our friends who created memories I will always cherish.
In the end, I feel confident that I've arrived to find a peace that I've been searching for my entire life.
I do offer a few lessons learned to pass along:
What have I achieved? Does it really matter now? What will you achieve in the time left? That's what matters. Be kind and have fun.
Do I have a life philosophy? I do, but I think it's fluid. At this moment of time, I feel that our future is more uncertain than ever. I know humans are highly adaptable. We are coming off a long period of peace and abundance. But remember everything is impermanent. I supposed you could boil it down to 'this to shall pass.'
An ethical will is a deeply personal document that shares your values, life lessons, and hopes with future generations1. Unlike a legal will, it focuses on passing down wisdom and personal legacy rather than material possessions2.
Opening Start with a personal greeting to your intended recipients. The tone should be warm and conversational, as this is meant to be a heartfelt message.
Main Content Areas Your ethical will should cover three key dimensions:
Past Reflections - Meaningful life experiences and lessons learned - Family history and traditions - Important personal achievements11
Present Values - Core beliefs and principles - Expressions of gratitude - Life philosophy3
Future Hopes - Wishes for future generations - Guidance for loved ones - Blessings and aspirations2
Remember that an ethical will is not a legal document3. It's meant to be shared during your lifetime, allowing for meaningful discussions with loved ones1. Take time to reflect deeply on your values and the legacy you wish to leave behind.
Consider reviewing and updating your ethical will periodically as your life experiences and wisdom grow5. This document is a gift that can help future generations understand who you are and what matters most to you.
We will meet again next Monday at our usual time and place. I hope you have all been giving thought to your eulogy and have at least started the process of writing.
Have you asked for input from others? How has the process been for you?
Some people find it easier to think of this as if you are describing someone in the third person. As in; Susan lived her life... or she was really ... What are the adjectives that come to mind?
As we approach the darker season of the year, this is a time when writing a eulogy can provide a reflection on where you have come in your life so far and what the rest of your life may look like in the future. Is there personal unfinished business you would like to attend to? Are there skills or attributes you would like to learn or characteristics that you want to develop more deeply?