Do You Read Your Eulogy Every Morning?
After reading Donald Miller’s book Hero on a Mission, I took a step back and wrote my own eulogy. Yes, you read that right—my eulogy. It might sound morbid to some, but for me, it was an incredibly powerful exercise in reflection and clarity. It gave me a way to ask myself the hard questions that define how I want to live and, more importantly, the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.
Here are some of the tough but essential questions I asked myself:
1️⃣ How do I want to leave the people and places I interacted with?
This question helps me think about the impact I want to make on others. Whether it's my family, friends, or the communities I’m part of, I want to ensure that I leave a positive mark.
2️⃣ What do I want to be known for?
This is the question that really drives my decisions day in and day out. Am I living in a way that aligns with the values and principles I want to be remembered for? It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but this question keeps me grounded.
3️⃣ How do I want to make people feel?
At the end of the day, people may forget what you said or did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. Whether it’s through a simple conversation or the way I show up for others, I try to be mindful of the emotional footprint I leave behind.
Here’s a line from my eulogy that might give you a glimpse into my thinking:
“His chocolate chip waffles brought smiles to their faces and was something to look forward to every week.”
It’s a small, seemingly trivial detail, but it’s meaningful. Those waffles became a tradition, a simple act of joy I could offer to the people I care about. And that’s what life is about—those small moments that build up over time to create a meaningful life.
One of the most valuable things about writing my eulogy is that it’s not set in stone. I think of it as a living document that evolves with me. As I grow, change, and enter new seasons of life, my eulogy shifts too. It serves as my North Star, guiding my decisions and helping me stay aligned with the person I want to become.
Have you ever taken the time to write your own eulogy? If not, I highly recommend it. It’s a profound exercise in self-reflection and will give you clarity on how to spend your days in a way that aligns with your deepest values.
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. It’s a powerful reminder of the legacy we’re creating every day, one small act at a time.
P.S. The waffles were tasty this morning! 🧇
By reflecting on what really matters, we can create more purposeful days and ensure we’re living in alignment with our long-term vision. Give it a try, and let me know what insights you gain!
