Writing your own obituary can be a unique and meaningful way to reflect on your life, share your story, and leave a lasting legacy. Here are some reasons why you might consider writing your own obituary:
1. Personal reflection: Writing your own obituary allows you to reflect on your life, accomplishments, and the experiences that have shaped you. It provides an opportunity for self-examination and introspection, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the impact you've had on others.
2. Control over your narrative: By writing your own obituary, you have the chance to shape how you will be remembered. You can highlight the aspects of your life that are most important to you, share the values you held dear, and convey the message you want to leave behind. It allows you to ensure that your story is told accurately and in the way you want it to be remembered.
3. Connection with loved ones: An obituary can serve as a platform for reaching out to family, friends, and loved ones, both during your lifetime and after your passing. It can help you express your gratitude, share personal messages, and strengthen the bonds you have with those closest to you. It can also offer comfort and support to your loved ones as they navigate the grieving process.
4. Inspiration and guidance: Your obituary can provide inspiration and guidance to others who read it. By sharing your life experiences, lessons learned, and the wisdom you've gained, you have the potential to positively impact and influence others. It can be a source of encouragement, motivation, and comfort for those who come across your blog.
5. Legacy preservation: Writing your own obituary ensures that your story is preserved for future generations. It becomes a part of your legacy that can be passed down to your children, grandchildren, and future descendants. It allows them to learn about their family history, gain insights into their heritage, and understand the values and experiences that have shaped their lives.
6. Celebration of life: Rather than focusing solely on the sadness of your passing, an obituary can be a celebration of your life. It can be an opportunity to share joyful memories, highlight your accomplishments, and showcase the positive impact you've had on others. It allows you to create a more uplifting and celebratory tone around the concept of death.
It's important to note that writing your own obituary is a personal choice and may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may prefer to leave this task to their loved ones or rely on traditional obituary formats. However, for those who wish to take control of their narrative, a self-penned obituary can be a meaningful and powerful way to do so.
FAQs
An obituary can represent the big picture, the circle of life. Your own obituary is not only a way to share your own personal story and lessons learned. It's a complete reflection of the legacy you were given from the generation before you.
Why should you write your own obituary? ›
An obituary can represent the big picture, the circle of life. Your own obituary is not only a way to share your own personal story and lessons learned. It's a complete reflection of the legacy you were given from the generation before you.
How to write your own obituary example? ›
Obituary Example: Announcing the Funeral
[Full name], [age], of [where they lived], sadly left us on [date of death] due to [cause of death]. They leave behind [list of surviving family members]. A service will be held in their honor at [time] on [date] at [location].
What does it mean when someone writes their own obituary? ›
If you are completing end-of-life plans for yourself, writing your own obituary in advance means you can decide exactly what it says. It also means your family won't have to think about it. You can write the most important aspects of your life that you want people to remember.
When should you write your obituary? ›
Publishing an obituary is a time-sensitive process–you should try to have it written and posted within a week of the deceased's passing. This goes for obituaries published both online and in print. If the obituary includes funeral details, you must publish it at least three days before the funeral.
What are the benefits of obituary? ›
Why You Should Publish an Obituary
- Paying Tribute to the Deceased. The foremost objective of publishing an obituary is to honor the deceased. ...
- Sharing Your Loss with The Community. An obituary is an explicit way of telling the local community that your loved one has died. ...
- Expediting the Healing Process. ...
- Preserves the Memory.
Most people don't have the luxury of writing their own obituary, but, as a summary of a person's life from the other end, they offer an overview of the things a person found most important, as well as what others felt about the contributions the deceased person made to those around them.
Is it morbid to write your own obituary? ›
Isn't it morbid? We don't think so. Here's why: Anyone who has had to write a parent's or spouse's obituary when they are reeling from an unexpected death can appreciate the value of having this task done in advance.
What is a good sentence for obituary? ›
[Full Name], aged [age of the deceased], passed away peacefully on [date of death], at [location of death]. He/she was born on [date of birth], in [birthplace], to [names of parents].
What not to put in an obituary? ›
When writing an obituary, leave out details that could be used for identity theft, such as the deceased's date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name and mother's maiden name. And don't include the deceased's home address.
Posting an obituary is not a legal requirement and is a sentimental action. Families don't have to publish one if they don't want it or do not have the funds to do so. While you do not have to share a death note or obituary, you must file a death certificate with your state's office.
How personal should an obituary be? ›
Make it personal
To write a great obituary, it's important to capture the spirit of the loved one who has passed. Compose a paragraph that describes not only what your loved one did, but also what your loved one was like. For example, focus on hobbies, passions, and personal characteristics.
Are there rules to writing an obituary? ›
How to Write an Obituary
- Their age upon death.
- Birthday.
- Birthplace.
- A list of the surviving relatives.
- The date of death.
- The location (city/state) where they died.
- Details about the funeral service: date, time, place.
- Full name.
In most cases, obituaries do not include the names or nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws unless they were close to the deceased. Grandchildren are sometimes listed but often numbered instead (…he leaves behind 5 grandchildren).
How do you write a heartfelt obituary? ›
Announce the death and include their full name, age, hometown, and date of death. Include a brief summary of their life. Mention family members who have already passed away, as well as surviving family members. Share funeral or memorial service details, including whether they are public or private events.
What should you not write in an obituary? ›
When writing an obituary, leave out details that could be used for identity theft, such as the deceased's date and place of birth, middle name, maiden name and mother's maiden name. And don't include the deceased's home address.
What makes a great obituary? ›
An obituary tends to have three distinct parts: the beginning (name, age, date of death, cause of death [if possible to include], work, education); the middle (anecdotes that celebrate the person's life); and the end (so-and-so is survived by, which Chang calls “a very efficient way of saying who's grieving.”)
