What I Leave Behind
What I Leave Behind
Writing a Will (Not That Kind of Will)
Writing a Will (Not That Kind of Will)
Write a will, but instead of dividing up money, property, or material things, divide up pieces of yourself.
Your will should reflect who you are, what you’ve learned, and what you want to pass on—not just to family, but to anyone, anywhere, in any way you choose.
Instead of wealth, you are leaving behind memories, lessons, personality traits, emotions, or experiences.
Your will can be serious, humorous, poetic, or even fragmented.
You can write to real people in your life or to strangers, future generations, or the universe itself.
Consider what defines you the most—what parts of yourself are you passing forward?
"To My Family, Friends, and Anyone Else Who Stumbles Across This" – A will that divides up personality traits and experiences (e.g., “I leave my stubbornness to my little brother, because he’ll need it more than I ever did”).
"The Will of Someone Who Was Never Rich" – A character writes a will acknowledging that they never had money, but they had something better to give.
"To the Next Me" – A letter to a younger generation, a younger version of yourself, or someone who will take your place one day.
"A Will for the World" – Instead of addressing specific people, leave behind your lessons, regrets, and wisdom to humanity as a whole.
"What I Refuse to Leave Behind" – A twist: instead of passing things on, the narrator refuses to give away certain parts of themselves.
What do you want to be remembered for?
Who do you want to receive parts of you?
What lessons or experiences have shaped you, and who would benefit from them?
Is your will serious, poetic, sarcastic, or existential?
"I leave my ability to fake confidence to the next kid who sits in this desk."
"I leave my love of late-night city lights to the insomniacs who walk through them alone."
"I leave my regrets to no one. They were mine to carry, and I will take them with me."
"To my best friend, I leave my ability to laugh at the worst possible moments. You’ll need it."