How To Write Your Own Obituary: A Masterclass in Mindfulness

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t morbid. It’s genius. Writing your own obituary is one of the most profound exercises in mindfulness you’ll ever do. And before you roll your eyes and scroll away, let me promise you this: by the time you’re done reading this blog, you’ll be holding a pen (or keyboard) like it’s the steering wheel of your life.

Why write your obituary now? Because it’s a reality check wrapped in creativity, sprinkled with self-reflection, and topped with a dollop of gratitude. This exercise forces you to confront what matters most—and spoiler alert—it’s rarely about promotions, possessions, or pleasing people who can’t even pronounce quinoa. So grab your favorite beverage (yes, wine counts) and let’s dive into How to Write Your Own Obituary—the mindful way.

Step 1: Start With the Basics – The Framework of Your Legacy

Every obituary starts with the essentials: name, birthplace, date of birth, date of death. Luckily, you can leave that last one blank for now. Instead, focus on how you want to be remembered in these areas:

• Name: Do you love your name? Or are you imagining a pseudonym for your epic life story? Own it.

• Birthplace: Were you born in a tiny town with more cows than people? Or did you enter this world in a city so bright it makes Times Square look dim? Embrace your roots.

• Life Highlights: Jot down the bullet points of your life so far. Schools, jobs, major achievements.

• Now ask yourself: If I saw this as someone else’s obituary, would I think it’s inspiring? Or is it the résumé equivalent of a stale cracker?

Step 2: Dig Into Your Values – What Truly Matters

Most obituaries don’t mention the number of Instagram followers you had or how many spreadsheets you mastered at work. Instead, they highlight what really counts:

• Relationships: Who are the people who truly matter in your life? Family? Friends? A stray cat who adopted you?

• Passions: What activities make you lose track of time? Gardening? Traveling? Baking cookies that could rival your grandmother’s?

• Impact: How have you made the world a better place? Did you mentor someone, plant a tree, or simply smile at strangers until they smiled back?

  
  

Ask yourself: If my obituary was written today, would it include these things? If not, it’s time to start living the life you want others to remember.

Step 3: Get Poetic – Celebrate Your Quirks

Forget about sounding like a stiff Wikipedia entry. Your obituary should ooze personality. Were you the neighbor who always mowed your lawn at sunrise? The friend who remembered everyone’s birthday with a homemade cake? The family member who told the same joke 1,000 times but somehow made it funnier each time. Write those quirks down. These are the things people will cherish about you, the things that make you human. Example:"She was known for her contagious laughter, her inability to follow a recipe without ‘improving it,’ and the way she made every person she met feel like they were the most important person in the room."

Step 4: Dream Big – Write About the Life You Want

Here’s where the magic happens. You’re not just writing your obituary as it stands today. You’re writing the ideal version of it. Pretend you’re 120 years old, surrounded by great-grandchildren, and reflecting on the incredible life you’ve lived. What would you want to say?

• Did you travel to every continent?

• Write that novel that’s been simmering in your head?

• Love fiercely, forgive quickly, and leave no room for regrets?

This isn’t just an obituary. It’s a vision board for your life.

Step 5: Infuse Humor – Leave 'Em Laughing

Life is absurd, messy, and sometimes hilariously unpredictable. Why shouldn’t your obituary reflect that? Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a bit of humor. Here’s some inspiration:

• “She finally mastered parallel parking… on the day she turned in her driver’s license.”

• “He leaves behind an impressive collection of Hawaiian shirts and half-finished DIY projects.”

• “Her last words were, ‘I probably shouldn’t have eaten that.’”

Laughter is the gift that keeps on giving, even after you’re gone.

Step 6: Keep It Mindful – The Heart of the Matter

Writing your obituary is a practice in mindfulness because it forces you to sit with life’s biggest question: Am I truly living, or just existing? When you boil it down, the things that matter most aren’t “things” at all. They’re moments of connection, joy, and growth. They’re the times you made someone smile, stood up for what you believed in, or danced like a fool just because.

Remember: The only moment you truly have is now. So live it with intention. Write your obituary not as a goodbye, but as a guide to a life well-lived.

Step 7: Share It – Start a Movement

Want to make this exercise even more powerful? Share your obituary with your closest friends or family. It might spark meaningful conversations, inspire others to reflect on their lives, or even encourage a much-needed group hug. Better yet, take it to social media. Start the hashtag #MyLivingObituary and challenge others to write theirs. Because here’s the thing: when we start thinking about what really matters, we start living with purpose—and that’s a movement worth going viral.

Closing Thoughts: Your Life, Your Legacy—Write It Boldly

Writing your own obituary isn’t just an exercise—it’s an awakening. It’s the moment you stare your own existence in the face, strip away the noise of daily distractions, and ask, What is my life really about?

Think about it: every breath you take is a line in your story, every choice you make a new chapter. Yet, how often do we let those chapters write themselves, waiting for “someday” to live the life we dream of? The act of writing your obituary is your declaration that someday starts today.

Imagine looking back at your life not with regret but with pride. Picture yourself surrounded by the people you’ve touched, the moments you’ve savored, and the dreams you dared to chase. This is your chance to sketch that picture—one vibrant brushstroke at a time—then step back and realize: I’m not just the author of my story; I’m the hero of it.

Why Wait? The Clock Is Ticking

Here’s the truth we don’t like to admit: time doesn’t slow down for any of us. Whether we like it or not, the days turn into months, the months into years, and before we know it, we’re left wondering where it all went.

But here’s the good news: as long as you’re alive, the pen is still in your hand. You can still rewrite the script. You can still add pages full of laughter, kindness, courage, and love. Your obituary isn’t just a summary of your life; it’s a blueprint for how you want to live it.

A Call to Courage

Writing your obituary isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes courage to look in the mirror and confront your fears, your regrets, your unfulfilled dreams. But it’s also liberating. It gives you permission to let go of what doesn’t serve you and double down on what does. So be brave. Dream wildly. Love unconditionally. Forgive yourself for the times you’ve fallen short, and commit to rising higher. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity. It’s about living in alignment with your values, not society’s expectations.

An Invitation to Presence

Here’s a paradox: thinking about your death can make you more alive. When you acknowledge that this moment—right here, right now—is all you truly have, you start to live with greater intention. You notice the way sunlight dances on your kitchen counter. You savor the laughter of a friend. You appreciate the way your heart beats steadily, a reminder that you’re still here, still capable of creating something beautiful. Mindfulness is the ultimate legacy. When you live fully in the present, you inspire others to do the same. Imagine a world where more people were fully awake to the miracle of being alive. It starts with you.

Your Legacy Starts Now

Your obituary is your love letter to the world. It’s a testament to the lives you’ve touched, the passions you’ve pursued, and the light you’ve brought into the world. It’s your final message—but also your greatest challenge: Are you living today in a way that aligns with how you want to be remembered?

Stop waiting for the perfect time, the right circumstances, or the next milestone. Start living the life you’d be proud to write about.Because one day, someone else will write your obituary. But today? That’s your job. Make it extraordinary.

Now go. Breathe deeply. Laugh loudly. Love fiercely. And most importantly—live boldly.

Available now in the AgingOrganic Gift Shop: "Writing My Obituary: Mindful Living Journal" is no ordinary notebook—it’s your personal time capsule, your compass, and your creative spark all rolled into one. Designed to jolt you out of autopilot and into intentional living, this journal invites you to craft the ultimate legacy: your own obituary. With thought-provoking prompts, witty reflections, and space to capture your dreams, values, and life’s quirks, it’s more than a journal—it’s a guide to living fully, fearlessly, and authentically. Use it to celebrate the life you’re building, rewrite the narrative where it needs tweaking, and create a roadmap to be remembered exactly as you want to be.