How would you like to be remembered? 

When people leave your funeral wouldn’t you like them not only to know more about your life, but also what contributed to making you the person they knew? 

Jane Bissell’s recent workshop at the Whangaparāoa Library, “What’s Your Story: Getting Started With Life Writing”, was extremely popular. The room was packed with aspiring writers. When she raised the idea of writing your own eulogy however, there was a collective gasp in the room. Clearly a memoir was more what the participants had in mind!

Times have changed and the idea of a eulogy being “a speech that highly praises someone, especially someone who has just died” is a thing of the past. Similarly, a dry account of life milestones is not what people really want to hear at a funeral. Nor a series of “funny anecdotes” that may or may not reflect a person’s life. Of course they have a place, but interesting and honest accounts of the person’s life and personality make for a much more engaging farewell. So why not prepare your own farewell?

Writing your own story is a wonderful opportunity to share personal memories of important events and people, along with defining moments in your life – and all from your own perspective. But where do you even start? Here’s a few questions to consider.

What are your most precious memories? 
What and/or who has contributed to shaping you and your perspective on life? 
What and/or who are you most grateful for? 
What are you most proud of? Any regrets?  
What challenges, losses or sadness in your life would you like to share? 
Do you have any insights from your life journey that you’d like shared with friends or family – and maybe future generations? 

The list of thoughtful questions goes on and there is no time like the present to make a start on addressing them! 

Helen Rutledge is a Celebrant on the Hibiscus Coast.