Gratitude has been a popular topic in recent years, with many people advocating for incorporating daily gratitude practices into our lives. Oprah Winfrey and Brené Brown are just a few examples of prominent figures who have spoken about the benefits of being thankful for what we have and focusing on the positive in our lives. But while it may seem simple to be grateful, how often do we actually take time to reflect on the things we are thankful for?

Some experts suggest taking a few moments before bed each day to list three things we are grateful for, as this helps us start each day with a positive mindset. By making gratitude a regular part of our daily routine through journaling or other rituals, we can reap the benefits and experience greater happiness. Aside from my personal gratitude journal, my husband and I have made it a habit to begin our daily walk in the woods sharing our “gratitudes”.

Preserving our legacy is another important practice that can bring benefits to our lives. Unlike gratitude practices, legacy preservation may not be something we do every day, but it is still a valuable exercise in reflecting on the past and considering our future. By reflecting on our experiences and documenting the stories that have shaped us, we create a permanent and shareable record(ing) that can inspire and guide future generations. In this way, our legacy can help guide and shape the future, even after we are gone.

Incorporating legacy preservation as a ritual around holiday celebrations can be a powerful way to give ourselves and future generations the gift of our values, beliefs, wisdom, hopes and dreams. Writing a legacy letter, or recording oneself on a smartphone at a family gathering like Easter or Passover,  as examples, can be a meaningful way to reflect on our lives and express our love and wishes for our family. The act of writing the letter or storytelling on a smart device can deepen our appreciation for those closest to us, and the finished product will provide a lasting record(ing) of our feelings for future generations. For more on writing legacy letters, kindly click here.

At Memoirs Productions, we highly encourage you to practice preserving your legacy at any time you’re thinking of gratitudes. We believe you will be grateful for this experience! Wishing you all the best for Spring 2023!