Write Your Ideal Obituary: A Guide to Intentional Living

Welcome back to the blog, Tiny Daily Kickers! This week, we're diving deeper into a powerful concept that we explored in our latest episode, "How to Remember What Really Matters in Life - Episode: 43". In that episode, inspired by a compelling headline, we discussed the idea of writing your own obituary as a way to gain clarity and direction in your life. Today, we're going to break down that exercise into a step-by-step guide, offering prompts and examples to help you craft a meaningful two-to-three-line summary of your ideal self. Get ready to uncover your core values and aspirations and translate them into actionable steps for a more intentional life.

The Headline That Started It All: "Write Your Obituary... Then Live It"

The seed for this blog post, and indeed the entire episode, was planted by a simple yet profound headline: "Write Your Obituary... Then Live It." It's a thought-provoking statement that immediately grabs your attention. It challenges us to consider our legacy, not in the grand, sweeping terms of fame and fortune, but in the quiet, intimate details of character and contribution. It forces us to ask ourselves: What truly matters to me? How do I want to be remembered by those who know me best? It’s about distilling the essence of a life well-lived, before you've lived it, and then making choices that align with that vision. The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity. It's not about crafting a flawless, idealized version of yourself. It's about identifying the core values and aspirations that drive you, and then consciously working towards embodying them in your everyday life.

Why Write an Obituary for Yourself?

The idea of writing your own obituary might seem morbid or even self-indulgent at first glance. However, it's actually a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Here's why it's worth considering:

• Clarity of Purpose: In a world filled with distractions and conflicting priorities, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Writing your obituary forces you to confront your values and aspirations head-on, helping you to identify what you want to achieve and who you want to be.
• Motivation and Direction: Once you have a clear picture of your ideal self, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with your goals. Your "obituary" can serve as a guiding star, helping you to stay focused and motivated, even when faced with challenges.
• Prioritization: Life is finite, and time is precious. Writing your obituary can help you to prioritize your time and energy, focusing on the activities and relationships that are most meaningful to you. It allows you to intentionally choose how you invest your limited resources.
• Increased Awareness: The process of self-reflection involved in writing your obituary can increase your self-awareness, helping you to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This self-knowledge is essential for personal growth and development.
• Living with Intention: Ultimately, writing your obituary is about living with intention. It's about consciously choosing to create a life that is aligned with your values and aspirations, rather than simply drifting along aimlessly.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Ideal Two-to-Three-Line Summary

Ready to write your obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a time and place where you can be alone with your thoughts, free from distractions.
2. Reflect on Your Life: Take some time to reflect on your life, both past and present. What are you proud of? What do you regret? What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
3. Identify Your Core Values: What are the principles that guide your decisions and actions? Honesty, kindness, creativity, courage, loyalty, and generosity are a few examples. Make a list of the values that are most important to you.
4. Consider Your Impact: How do you want to make a difference in the world? How do you want to be remembered by your family, friends, and community?
5. Write Your Summary: Using your reflections, values, and aspirations, craft a two-to-three-line summary of your ideal self. Focus on the qualities and accomplishments that are most meaningful to you.
6. Revise and Refine: Read your summary aloud. Does it resonate with you? Does it accurately reflect your values and aspirations? Revise and refine your summary until you are satisfied with it.

Uncovering Your Core Values and Aspirations: Prompts and Examples

Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part. Here are some prompts and examples to help you uncover your core values and aspirations:

Prompts:

• What are you most passionate about?
• What do you stand for?
• What kind of impact do you want to have on the world?
• What are your biggest regrets?
• What are your proudest accomplishments?
• What do you want to be known for?
• What qualities do you admire in others?
• What kind of person do you aspire to be?
• What problems do you want to solve?
• What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

Examples:

• "She was a devoted mother and wife, known for her unwavering kindness and her commitment to helping others."
• "He was a passionate educator who inspired countless students to pursue their dreams."
• "She was a creative artist who used her talent to bring beauty and joy to the world."
• "He was a courageous activist who fought tirelessly for social justice."
• "She was a lifelong learner who never stopped seeking knowledge and understanding."
• "He was a loyal friend and a trusted confidant, always there to lend a listening ear."
• "She was a dedicated volunteer who made a positive impact in her community."

Here are some more diverse examples:

• "He was a generous mentor, guiding countless young professionals with patience and wisdom."
• "She was a fearless explorer, pushing boundaries and inspiring others to embrace the unknown."
• "He was a dedicated environmentalist, working tirelessly to protect our planet for future generations."
• "She was a compassionate healer, bringing comfort and relief to those in pain."
• "He was a innovative entrepreneur, creating solutions that improved the lives of others."
• "She was a resilient survivor, overcoming adversity with grace and strength."
• "He was a joyful spirit, spreading laughter and positivity wherever he went."

Remember, these are just examples. Your summary should be unique to you and reflect your own values and aspirations.

From Obituary to Action: Tiny Daily Steps Toward Your Ideal Self

Writing your obituary is just the first step. The real challenge lies in translating your aspirations into action. Here's how you can start taking tiny daily steps towards your ideal self:

• Identify Small, Actionable Steps: Break down your goals into small, manageable steps that you can take each day. If you want to be known for your kindness, commit to performing one act of kindness each day. If you want to be known for your creativity, set aside 15 minutes each day to pursue a creative activity.
• Incorporate Your Values into Your Daily Routine: Find ways to incorporate your core values into your daily routine. If honesty is important to you, make a conscious effort to be truthful in all of your interactions. If gratitude is important to you, take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for.
• Set Reminders: Use reminders, alarms, or sticky notes to remind yourself of your goals and values throughout the day.
• Track Your Progress: Keep track of your progress, whether it's through a journal, a spreadsheet, or a habit-tracking app. Seeing your progress can be a powerful motivator.
• Celebrate Your Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. This will help you to stay motivated and committed to your goals.

Embracing Imperfection: No Pressure, Just Progress

It's important to remember that perfection is not the goal. The goal is progress. There will be days when you fall short of your aspirations. There will be days when you feel discouraged or overwhelmed. That's okay. The key is to embrace imperfection and keep moving forward.

• Be Kind to Yourself: Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend.
• Learn from Your Mistakes: Don't dwell on your mistakes. Instead, learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth.
• Focus on the Positive: Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, rather than dwelling on your weaknesses and failures.
• Don't Compare Yourself to Others: Everyone's journey is different. Don't compare yourself to others or feel pressured to live up to their expectations.
• Remember Your "Why": When you feel discouraged, remind yourself of why you started this journey in the first place. What are you hoping to achieve? What kind of person do you want to be?

The Power of Clarity and Direction

The simple act of writing your obituary can provide a profound sense of clarity and direction. It can help you to identify your values, prioritize your goals, and live with intention. When you know what truly matters to you, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with your aspirations and create a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. This clarity is not about rigid planning, but about having a compass to guide you. It's about understanding your true north and making choices that move you in that direction, even when the path is winding or uncertain.

Join the Community: Share Your Obituary and Find Support

We encourage you to share your two-to-three-line obituary summaries in our "TinyDaily Kick" Facebook community. Sharing your obituary can be a powerful way to connect with others, find support, and inspire others to live with intention. It’s also a great way to get feedback and refine your vision. Remember, this is a safe and supportive space, so feel free to be open and honest about your aspirations.

Conclusion: Living with Intention, Today and Every Day

The obituary exercise is not about death; it's about life. It's about living with intention, today and every day. It's about consciously choosing to create a life that is aligned with your values and aspirations, rather than simply drifting along aimlessly. By taking the time to reflect on your life, identify your core values, and craft a meaningful summary of your ideal self, you can gain clarity, direction, and motivation to live a more fulfilling life. So, go ahead, write your obituary, and then live it! Remember to check out Episode 43 for even more inspiration and practical tips. We hope this post has inspired you to take a step towards living with more intention. We’ll see you next time for another Tiny Daily Kick!