Creating your family legacy is so much more than money. A truly meaningful legacy is cultivated from a lifetime of relationships, accomplishments, traditions, and values. Unfortunately, because it’s difficult to know where to begin, many families do nothing. As a starting point, simply recording your story is one of the best things you can do. Here is how to create a family legacy.

What should you record?

First, take some time to think about what you want the next generation of your family to know. Each family will be different, but here are a few guidelines to start.

• Faith: If your faith is a cornerstone, then record how it has shaped you and your family. Think of specific examples or transitions in which your faith was tested and ultimately preserved.
• Values: You have specific values that make you unique. These may be related to faith but can also be related to business, family, or finances. As an example, a business value may be “people before profits” or a family value may be “annual family vacations.” Many times these values are unspoken and adhered to naturally, but it’s important to record them.
• Passion: It’s not uncommon for family members to have a passion completely unknown by others. It becomes hidden over time only to be discovered later, sometimes after a death. By taking the time to record your passion, you help your family better understand who you are and what motivates you.

How should you record?

Another common blocking point is how to go about recording your story. Depending on your personality, you can utilize one or multiple mediums. You can create personalized messages to individuals or general messages for everyone. Here are some ideas …

• Use voice recording apps available on smartphones
• Handwritten letters
• Video recording
• Pictures with captions to explain memories
• Online software that organizes and captures your message

When should you record?

The best time to begin recording is now! Too often people think they’ll get to it another day, but then that day never comes. Take 15 minutes on a weekend and start recording your story. Begin with small steps and the words will come easier with practice. Do not try and accomplish everything in one sitting.

Embarking on a journey to create a family legacy is noble and with enough persistence, attainable!

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