But maybe you are thinking, my kids are in their 20’s or I didn’t do a letter for my son’s graduation, how can I do one for his sister? Maybe you heard about people who wrote a letter to their child every year on their birthday, but you were too tired during the first couple of years and now your child is three.
Again, I want to encourage you — start now. In fact, I had a client write her first Legacy Letter to her son in his 50s. It really is never too late.
But what will you say? Your life is made of stories and sharing them creates bonds between you, the writer, and the reader. You’ll tell those stories and share why you told them. You’ll share your love.
In this day of email, Twitter and text, letter writing has fallen into disuse. It is rare for us to pause and put into writing how we feel about a person, why they matter to us, and the values, hopes and wishes we want to share with them. That rarity makes a Legacy Letter an even greater gift.
Give it a try. Not only will the recipient feel honored to receive your thoughts and love, but the process of self-reflection required to write a Legacy Letter will deepen your understanding of your own values and lead to a more intentional and rich path for yourself.
How to Catch Up with Legacy Letters
The very first Legacy Letter I wrote to my oldest son was when he was 20. Sure I wish I had known about Legacy Letters when he was born and had written one to him each birthday and at every major milestone. I have used the letters that I have written to him since his 20th birthday to include memories and stories of him as a baby, young child and teen. Writing has helped me remember all the wonderful memories of him at each age.
You can do this too, just start where you are and move forward. Start a new tradition. Write your daughter a letter for her birthday and give it to her. Keep a copy for yourself and every five years or so collect the letters and photos from that time into a photo book to give to her.
While we talk a lot about letters to our children, you do not have to be a parent or have children to write Legacy Letters.
Think of all the mentors in your life or the people who have shown you kindness over the years. Create a practice of writing a letter each month to one significant person in your life. Share how they helped you grow or supported you or cared for you. Imagine the impact of all of that love being sent out into the world.
Just write!
Legacy letters last a lifetime and help you express just how much you care for the people in your life. I invite you to grab a copy of Deepening Connections with Legacy Letters where I show you how to craft one from the heart.