The Argument for Personal Eulogies and What Yours Should Include

In a world where the certainties are death and taxes, the tradition has been to leave the final words about us to others. Typically, these eulogies celebrate our life's highlights and express the love and accomplishments we've shared.

However, often these tributes turn into bland, one-size-fits-all speeches, causing additional grief for loved ones. This underscores why you should pen your own farewell.

Craft Your Own Narrative

Only You Truly Understand Your Life's Tapestry

Recall the "Sex and the City" episode where a clergyman mistakes Miranda's identity during her mother's eulogy. Such blunders are all too common, rendering the tribute impersonal and inaccurate.

By taking charge of your eulogy, you ensure your life's narrative is correctly woven, capturing the essence of your most cherished relationships and experiences.

Your Lasting Voice

A Eulogy as a Gift to Those You Adore (Or Otherwise)

Your self-written eulogy serves as a poignant final gesture to those you've loved. It allows you to impart a lifetime of love and wisdom, even posthumously.

Like the love letters found on a husband's phone, your words can become a priceless legacy, providing guidance and comfort for your loved ones.

Penning Your Legacy

Crafting your eulogy involves reflecting on the core of who you are: your most vital relationships, proudest achievements, and the values you've lived by. It's essentially a highlight reel of your life's most impactful moments.

Remember to:

• Keep it brief, typically between two to ten minutes.
• Choose first or third person, whichever feels most genuine to you.
• Consider leaving a video or audio recording for a personal touch.

Setting the Tone: The Opening Line

Begin with a profound statement or a favorite quote that encapsulates your life's philosophy. This opening will lay the foundation for your life's thematic stories.

Weaving Life's Stories

With a thematic opening, go into anecdotes that reflect your journey, the unforgettable milestones, and the relationships that shaped your life. The eulogy should not just recount your life's events, but also the emotions and impacts that accompanied them.

Why and When to Write Your Eulogy

You may wonder when to undertake this task—do it now. Time is unpredictable. Starting today allows you to revisit and refine your eulogy, providing snapshots of your life's evolving story, giving you insight into your journey and perhaps influencing the path you wish to take from here.

In essence, writing your own eulogy is a chance to leave the earth on your own terms, ensuring that your final words are as unique and meaningful as the life you've led.