Do I Need to Wait Until I Die to Tell Everybody This?

Leaving an Emotional Will can mean a lot more to your loved ones than shares or a say jewellery. By leaving emotional thoughts and messages to those close to you, you may have an opportunity to feel liberated. Just by doing this exercise you'll be bravely facing the truth of eventually not being around.

Some have per-conceived ideas of what may be waiting for us once we die, while others believe nothing happens. Or some suspend their judgement and believe in the unknown. Either way whatever your belief we still may benefit from expressing certain things to others before we pass away.

You can bequeath almost anything you like in an Emotional Will as long as it doesn't diminish the document's legal status.

Here are a few ideas:

This is my favorite recipe/food dish. Now it's in your guardian. This is a book that I found very thought provoking. Please read it and think of me. Here's my favorite joke/saying/word. Now you have a chance to keep it alive. Thank you for this memory. I treasure it. I always wanted to tell you this but was too shy/afraid/embarrassed. I can't remember whether I have told you this before but... There is something I have learned that I would like you to know.

Are there any other questions/conversations/themes you would also like to add?

Once you have completed your Emotional Will it might be interesting to ask the question, 'do I actually need to wait until I die to tell everybody this information?' What do I gain from waiting? What do I fear the other's response will be?

I wonder how we would all feel if we did act on our Emotional Will, along with showing those close to us our vulnerability and rawness before we actually do die.

Overall the best we can find in our lives is honest interactions with people who understand our past, believe in our future and accept us today for who we are. If your family/friends find hearing your Emotional Will difficult just give them a gentle reminder about the benefits of having honest connections/friendships.

In the end though it doesn't really matter how they respond, as this whole process is more about you releasing your emotions/deep thoughts as well as allowing yourself to be 'real' before.

Should you find yourself wondering more about your Emotional Will it might be worth exploring it further in Therapy to get the ball rolling.