Write YOUR Own Obit
As 2013 begins, we reflect. Another year..done, gone, lived. Seems to me we go through this process…
Yikes, how can it be a new year?- Geeze, what did I REALLY get accomplished?
- Well… I did do…
- And I do have these things to be grateful for…
- And this coming year will be even better… more of everything I want to do and be!!!! CHARGE!
- Almost February 1st… oh well, good intentions anyway.
Do you want the new year energy and dreams to last? Write your own obituary – now… and revise it from time to time. Start with the end in mind. Ask yourself, “How will the people WHO MATTER THE MOST TO ME, remember me? What impact have I made in their lives?” For your work, do the entire process… where you were born, parents names, etc. But for our purposes here, I’m doing just a snip it. So here goes:
Marcy Heim roared into heaven on this (date in the future), confident it was there. She was born on November 15, National Philanthropy Day, and was passionate about the power of giving in composing a good world. She and her life partner, Ken, created 3 children, Carly, RJ and David, to be positive, responsible and contribute to society. After 23 years with the UW Foundation, she stepped away and created harmony between professional and personal. With her own business, The Artful Asker, she was a speaker, author and coach, joining people and non-profit passions together with major gift success and authenticity. With her band, Marcy and the Highlights, she shared a special connection with all through her music. Her passion and energy were contagious, but also demanding and she was driven at times to over pack life, seek perfection and strike hard. She died with her desk a mess, boxes of clutter left behind to sort, and too many ‘good intentions’ left undone but with the sincere love of her family, donors and clients. All are asked to contribute to a charity of their choice in her memory and continue to compose a good world.
So, I have some things to accomplish yet but I am comfortable with where I am with the people who matter the most to me. How about you? Stop and take some time to answer these questions – What do you want your life to represent? How would you like to be remembered? Write it out, print it out and let this be your guide to the choices you make each day. Remember, it is not the date of birth – date of death that matters. It’s what you do with the dash in between.
