I am quite intrigued with the concept of an Ethical Will and attended a half day introductory session last weekend here in Toronto. Most people have not heard of this idea so I’ll give an overview.

A legal will provides instructions for the dispersment of your money, possessions and property. An ethical will is a way to share your values and key messages about life with people who are important to you.  This will is written as a separate document and I think it’s a wonderful gift to share with family members while you are alive.  The benefits of writing an ethical will are numerous and I’ll list some of them for you. (adapted from Barry K. Baines, Ethical Wills, Preserving a Legacy of Values for Your Family and Community)

 1. A wonderful way to be remembered

2. Helps you to clarify what is important to you

3. A positive step towards the continuation of these values for future generations

4. Your stories in your own words will be lost forever unless they are documented

5. Helps to come to terms with our mortality

6. Provides a sense of completion in our lives

I intend to take the facilitator training to conduct workshops in writing ethical wills and will drop a note in this blog once that has been arranged.