You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Write a Memoir (Or at Least a Damn Good Story)

You don’t need a million Instagram followers or a fancy book deal to write something worth remembering. Your life is full of stories that matter—to your kids, your friends, your community, and maybe even to a total stranger one day.

And guess what? You don’t need to write a memoir. You just need to leave something behind that tells the truth of who you were.

Enter the Ethical Will

An ethical will is a non-legal document where you pass on wisdom, stories, hopes, and personal beliefs. It’s not about property—it’s about perspective.

Think of it as the highlight reel of your soul.

• What do you believe in?

• What lessons were hard-won and worth it?

• What makes you proud?

• What advice would you give your great-grandchild?

You can write it in a letter, record a voice memo, or even make a photo book with captions. The format doesn’t matter. The intention does.

Why It Matters

Years after you’re gone, someone may stumble across your ethical will and suddenly feel grounded. They’ll read your words and remember your voice. They’ll feel seen, guided, and connected—like you’re still cheering them on.

That’s the power of storytelling. It outlives us in the best possible way.

Try This: Write one short letter today. Just one page. Imagine you’re speaking to someone who hasn’t even been born yet. What would you want them to know about who you were?