Legacy Work Ideas – How to Help Someone Reflect on Their Life

As a death doula, one of the most meaningful services we can offer is guiding individuals in reflecting on their life and leaving behind a legacy. Legacy work not only provides a sense of peace and fulfillment but also creates a treasured gift for loved ones. It can be a very hard project to start so I have included a few ideas.

1. Record Their Voice

Encourage your loved one to record themselves sharing stories, memories, or life lessons. This can be done via voice memos or professional recordings. Hearing their voice preserves their personality and emotions in a way that photos or written words cannot. It is one of the most common things people grieving a loss wish for. The wish to hear someones voice or laugh or people often replay voicemails just to hear their loved ones voice.

2. Tell a Story, Have It Written Down

Assist them in telling a favourite story or a significant life event. Whether spoken aloud or written down with your help, it allows their personal narrative to be captured. You might consider transcribing their stories or recording a video to turn into a treasured keepsake. Different people in your life might have different stories they want to have written down so this can be done more than once providing your loved one feels comfortable or has the energy.

3. Alphabet Reflection

Use the alphabet as a way to spark memories. Starting with each letter, they can share a word or phrase that resonates with their life. This activity encourages reflection on different facets of their life, often leading to surprising memories and insights. My mom found sitting down and writing a memoir very daunting so this is the path she chose. You can go as detailed or as simplistic as you wish with each letter. For example:

• A: Adventure

• B: Family

• C: Childhood

• D: Dreams

4. Write a Letter to Future Generations

Encourage them to write a letter or a series of letters to loved ones, sharing wisdom, hopes, and love. These personal messages can be read long after they are gone, serving as a guiding light or source of comfort.

5. Create a Life Timeline

Help them create a visual timeline of their life—highlighting key events, accomplishments, and milestones. This can be a physical chart, a scrapbook, or a digital slideshow that illustrates their journey.

6. Share Personal Values and Lessons

Facilitate a conversation about the values, lessons, and philosophies they've developed over their lifetime. Documenting these insights can serve as a meaningful gift for family members and friends.

7. Assemble a Legacy Book

Gather stories, photos, poems, and reflections into a legacy or memory book. This personalized collection becomes a lasting record of their life and legacy.

In Conclusion

Legacy work is a deeply personal and rewarding process. It allows individuals to reflect on their life, share their stories, and leave behind something meaningful for loved ones. Whether through recording, storytelling, alphabet reflections, or creative projects, these ideas aim to honour their lived experiences and ensure their legacy endures. Many individuals state that they do not have a legacy to leave behind. I assure you that everyone does and your story matters and is worth telling.

If you or someone you know is interested in exploring legacy work, I really love to provide compassionate guidance and support in this work. Together, we can create a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived.