Checklist: Steps to Writing An Ethical Will

An ethical will, also known as a legacy letter or spiritual will, is a non-legal document that conveys a person’s values, beliefs, life lessons, and personal reflections to future generations. It serves as a way for individuals to share their wisdom, blessings, and wishes with their loved ones, providing a means to pass on intangible assets beyond material possessions.

By following the following steps, you can create a meaningful and impactful ethical will that reflects your values, beliefs, and life wisdom for generations to come.

1. Reflect on Values and Beliefs

• Consider what is most important to you and what you want to pass on to future generations.

2. Identify Recipients

• Decide who you want to address your ethical will to (e.g., children, grandchildren, family members, friends).
• Consider whether you want to address specific individuals or a broader audience.

3. Choose Format and Medium

• Determine the format and medium for your ethical will (e.g., written document, video recording, audio message).
• Choose a format that feels comfortable and authentic for expressing your thoughts and feelings.

4. Outline Key Messages

• Create an outline of the key messages you want to convey in your ethical will.
• Organize your thoughts into sections or themes that reflect different aspects of your values and experiences.

5. Write from the Heart

• Write your ethical will from the heart, using your own voice and language.
• Be honest, sincere, and heartfelt in expressing your thoughts, feelings, and wishes.

6. Include Personal Stories and Examples

• Share personal stories, anecdotes, and examples that illustrate your values and beliefs.
• Use real-life experiences to convey the importance of certain principles or lessons.

7. Address Specific Topics

• Cover a range of topics that are meaningful to you, such as family heritage, cultural traditions, ethical principles, and life lessons.
• Address specific values, virtues, and qualities that you want to instill in future generations.

8. Offer Guidance and Advice

• Provide guidance, advice, and wisdom based on your own life experiences.
• Offer practical advice on navigating challenges, making ethical decisions, and living a fulfilling life.

9. Express Gratitude and Love

• Express gratitude and appreciation for the people and experiences that have shaped your life.
• Share words of love, encouragement, and support for your loved ones.

10. Review and Revise

• Review your ethical will for clarity, coherence, and completeness.
• Revise and edit as needed to ensure that your message is clear and impactful.

11. Share with Loved Ones

• Share your ethical will with your intended recipients in a way that feels comfortable and appropriate.
• Consider sharing it in a personal meeting or through a special event or gathering.

12. Invite Feedback and Discussion

• Encourage recipients to provide feedback and engage in discussions about your ethical will.
• Create opportunities for dialogue and reflection on the values and principles you’ve shared.

13. Store and Preserve

• Store your ethical will in a safe and accessible location, such as a secure digital file or a physical document in a safe deposit box.
• Consider sharing copies with trusted individuals or legal representatives for safekeeping.

14. Update Regularly

• Regularly revisit and update your ethical will to reflect changes in your values, beliefs, and life circumstances.
• Consider updating it in response to major life events or significant personal insights.

15. Live Your Values

• Finally, strive to live according to the values and principles you’ve articulated in your ethical will.
• Lead by example and embody the qualities you wish to pass on to future generations.