Composing your own eulogy while alive may seem unusual, but it offers a unique opportunity to express your true feelings and reflect on the life you wish to lead. Most eulogies end with generic messages from family and friends, so writing your own allows for a more personal and meaningful tribute.
Reasons to Compose Your Own Eulogy
You possess the most intimate knowledge of your life
You are the most qualified individual to reflect on your experiences. This allows you to craft a tribute that genuinely represents your journey. You can express gratitude to those you cherish, offer apologies for past actions, provide guidance to your loved ones after your passing, and share your aspirations for your family, along with other significant messages.
You have the opportunity to articulate unspoken thoughts
Since it is your funeral and you will no longer be present, there are no repercussions for the sentiments you choose to express. This presents a unique opportunity to convey thoughts and feelings that you may have hesitated to share during your lifetime.
Composing Your Own Eulogy
1. Personalize the Content
Craft the eulogy in a manner that resonates with you, whether you prefer a first-person or third-person perspective. Ensure that the structure is coherent to avoid any confusion among the audience.
2. Consider the Duration
Eulogies generally last between 2 to 10 minutes. It is important to keep in mind that excessively lengthy eulogies may lead to disengagement, as attendees may become restless or hungry. Aim for a length that is neither too brief nor overly extended.
3. Strive for Excellence
This is your final communication. It is essential to include significant messages, particularly for your family and loved ones, ensuring that no important sentiments are overlooked. Begin with a compelling introduction to capture the audience’s attention.
4. Record a Video Message
Surprise your audience by delivering a final message through a video. This thoughtful gesture will leave a lasting impression, demonstrating your preparedness for the inevitable.
Reflecting
Once you have composed your eulogy, the process does not conclude at that point. Periodically revisiting and revising your eulogy every 60 to 120 days can be beneficial in your life. This practice allows for the identification of areas for improvement, enabling you to eliminate certain elements from your existing eulogy. By reflecting on your eulogy message, you can address any shortcomings and enhance its overall quality.
Your eulogy will showcase the progress you’ve achieved and may help you visualize the destination you aspire to reach as we eventually arrive at the place we all must go.
