Words On A Tombstone

We have all been exposed to a Tombstone. This is a large, flat piece of stone or wood, with words inscribed. This Tombstone can either standing or laid over the gravesite. The inscription typically includes the person’s name, description of their life, character and possibly accomplishments. Such statements as, ”Sally Jones was a loving and devoted wife, mother and friend”, are typically found on a Tombstone. These statements are generally generic in nature and many times are supplied by the mortuary handling the funeral and burial.

With many of my clients, I use an exercise, simply titled ”Tombstone Exercise” This exercise involves a simple piece of paper with a hand drawn Tombstone. This particular exercise is initiated while working on both short and long term goals. Do the goals selected, somehow connect with their Core Values? Are the goals going to represent a true and everlasting legacy of their life on earth?

In addition to the handwritten Tombstone, this piece of paper includes wording directing the client to consider, what their Tombstone might say. Will the wording be specific and a direct affirmation of what their spouses, children, extended family and friends think of their life? Will the words on the Tombstone, be their legacy? This Tombstone Exercise is valuable for all people to create a meaningful Mission Statement, for the rest of their lives. With this exercise, the purpose is to work forward to the end of life and create meaningful goals that will be realized and have long lasting meaning to the people who matter most.

The popular Chase Bank commercial asks, ”what’s in your wallet”? I am asking, ”what’s on your Tombstone”