Journal Exercise: Writing Your Eulogy

As I processed my diagnosis and began my healing journey, I learned that journaling can be a powerful tool for channeling emotions and detoxing your mind. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, I wrote them down. I wrote about everything, from not liking my landlord to not having enough time to research new therapies.

After a few months of journaling, I noticed patterns in my writing. I also realized I had fewer and fewer negative things to write about. By getting the thoughts out of my head, I was able to process them and move on. I recommend starting a journal now and documenting your experience. Make journaling a part of your morning ritual so you can set up your day for success.

Writing your eulogy is an opportunity to consider how you are affecting other people. When faced with your mortality, you naturally start to wonder what people will say about you when you pass away. Not only did I think about what others would say about me, but what I would say about myself. So, I wrote my own eulogy.

When I read my eulogy to my friends, they made me feel good about what I had written. I was the person they went to for health advice because they trusted my opinion. Not only did I make them laugh, but I inspired them too. In the early days of my illness, I found great comfort and motivation in knowing I had a positive impact on the people around me.

It might sound crazy, but writing your own eulogy is a great way to check in with yourself. It can help you compare how you wish to be remembered with the way you are currently living and solidify why, exactly, you want to live. How would you like to be remembered? Remember, every day is a chance to transform your life and the way you live it. If there is something missing, identify it and write it in your journal. Once you know the effect you want to have on the world, you can make the necessary changes to shape your dream life.

As an example, here is the eulogy I wrote for myself:

I have a beautiful mind, and I’m always ready to have deep conversations about you and life. I consider this to be one of my sacred moments.

The older I get, the more I crave one-on-one quality time with the people I love.

I love learning about anything that will make me a better person.

I love going out but prefer to cuddle and stay home with someone I love.

What makes me smile? Cooking for my loved ones and eating together while sharing stories.

My outer shell is tough and strong, but my inner soul is soft and, at times, fragile.

I am such a giver in every way. I love giving and recently learned to appreciate receiving.

You can get me to do anything for you when you smile and put your arms around me.

I am naïve because I believe everyone in the world is good and no one is out to hurt me, despite being blindly hurt by my husband.

I love living a life that is filled with spontaneity and fun.

I go after what I want.

I am a true romantic. My essence is LOVE.