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AXIS LEGACY ADVISORSTM
PRESENTS
A GUIDE TO CRAFTING
PERSONAL LEGACY STATEMENTS
AN ANCIENT LEGACY TOOL OF THE WEALTHY & WISE
∙ 2008 ∙
FIRST EDITION
Donald L. West, Jr., JD, CLTP and Dr. Tim Morrison, DMin
Everything You Need to Know About
Personal Legacy Statements
3
Copyright © 2008 by Axis Publishing Company, LLC
Cover design © 2006 by Axis Design Studios, LLC
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical
means including information storage and retrieval systems – except in the case of brief quotations
embodied in critical articles or reviews, or in the case of the exercises in this book solely for the personal use
of the purchaser – without permission in writing from its publisher, Axis Publishing Company, LLC.
First Edition, 2008
Published by: Axis Publishing Company, LLC
3324 Peachtree Road NE
Suite #2418
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Phone: (404) 474‐0232
Email: info@axis‐publishing.com
Website: http://www.Axis‐Publishing.com
Cover Design: Don West, Jr., Axis Design Studios, LLC
Interior Layout Design: T.B.D., Axis Design Studios, LLC
The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with an accurate and informative overview of the subject.
This book is sold with the understanding that neither the publisher nor the author(s) are engaging in, nor
rendering legal, medical, psychiatric, accounting or any other professional service. If you need legal,
accounting, medical, psychiatric or other expert advice, then you should seek the services of a duly licensed
professional.
This book is intended for use by the consumer for his or her own benefit. If you use this book to counsel
someone about the law, accounting or other professional service, then you may be considered an
unauthorized and illegal practice.
Printed in the United States of America
ISBN: Number Applied For
Library of Congress Catalog Number: Number Applied For
4
Table of Contents
A Guide to Crafting Personal Legacy Statements – An Ancient Legacy Tool of the Wealthy & Wise
Contents Page
Author’s Message ‐ Don 8
Author’s Message ‐ Tim 9
Forward By: Dr. John Kotre, PhD 10
Authors’ Dedications 11
Authors’ Acknowledgements 12
Quote No. 1 By: John Henrick Clarke 14
Quote No. 2 By: Stephen Covey 15
Quote No. 3 By: Billy Graham 16
Before We Begin Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s) 17
Book’s Objectives 19
Understanding the Basic Legacy Concepts 20
The Axis Legacy Building Blocks 21
Opening Suggestions 22
Why Write 22
Hesitating 22
The Practice of Writing 24
Getting Started 27
Step One The Audience 28
Step Two The Road Map 30
Step Three 33
Theme A: Family Traditions 34
Theme B: Morals & Values 41
Theme C: Perspective & Outlook 44
Theme D: Estate & Financial Plans 48
Theme E: Feelings 54
Theme F: Desires for the Future 59
Step Four The Refining Process 61
Step Five Time to Write 64
About the Authors – Don 66
About the Authors – Tim 67
6
AUTHOR’S MESSAGE – TIM
In 2005 I was fortunate to have Letters to My Sons: a Father’s Faith Journey published. My sons, Joel and Sean,
recognized that how I articulated and practiced my faith was different than what they experienced with their friends’
parents. Why did I take the stances on controversial issues that I did? What shaped my faith? What influenced my
actions? My sons wanted to know.
I wrote 23 letters in response to them. I focused on people, events, and educational studies. I also told them about the
uncle they never knew: my brother died when he was 33 and I was not yet married.
These letters have enabled my sons to understand me and our family better as a whole. The letters also helped Joel
and Sean in articulating their own beliefs and values. In the introduction to my book, I wrote that if in the reading of
the book, one believed that he or she could have written it, then my goal was half completed. If an individual took the
time to write a similar manuscript for her/his children, then I would have truly succeeded. I do not know if anyone has
ever taken up that challenge.
A personal legacy statement is a viable alternative, quite manageable in length. Along with Don, I want to encourage
you to take time to write a personal legacy statement. I offer 7 specific benefits provided in writing one’s legacy
statement:
1) Provide a perspective on your life – You tell as much or as little of your story that you wish to “warts and all”
and give meaning and purpose to it.
2) Give insight ‐ Why you did what you did or took action that others found to be mystifying or chose the career
path that you did.
3) Share the foundation for your values – What forms the foundation for all that you do, practice and believe.
For me it was the “social gospel movement.”
4) Have an impact upon your family now and for generations to come – Your legacy statement will become a
part of the ongoing family history. My sons, nieces and nephews all have copies of my book and they talk to
me about its contents.
5) Explain the curious or the never fully understood – I grew up in a small town and was the son of a highly
respected, conservative businessman yet I took on very progressive perspectives and beliefs.
6) Offer insight into or more history and explanation about the “black sheep” – The lingering memory of my
brother is that he was an alcoholic who wasted nearly 100 full scholarship opportunities for college education.
I knew the gentler side of him, the compassionate part of him and shared that in my book.
7) Extol others – Acknowledge people who have impacted your life that others might never have imagined. Not
until I wrote my statement did I recognized how influential a local mail carrier and a high school sweetheart
had been in my life. When my mother died, she left 2 intriguing bequests. I knew why because she told me.
Because she told me, I was able to tell others and that story moved people’s souls.
The length of your personal legacy statement is your decision. Regardless of how much or how little you choose to
share, know that the impact will be amazingly powerful.
Happy writing!
9
Forward
By: Dr. John Koltre, PhD
Author of: Make it Count How to Generate a Legacy that Gives Meaning to Your Life
Free Press Hardcover, 1999.
Coming Soon
10
Dedications
I dedicate this book to the people who mean the most to me in my journey, my mother and father,
for their love, support and guidance all my years, to my brothers and sisters for their companionship and
encouragement, to all of my extended family and ancestors without whom I am not even possible, and to
the most precious of all my resources, my love and life’s travel companion, Kaynaz Nikookary, thanks for
jumping!
By: Don West, Jr.
11
Acknowledgements
In writing this book I must admit that there were times when I became totally consumed, and it was
during those times that I most required the consistent support and assistance of Ms. Kaynaz Nikookary. It
was only through the encouragement and spiritual subsistence that she offered that there is a completed
manuscript. Thank you Madam Kaynaz!.
I must also thank my entire family for the sacrifices they each made to allow me to grow and reach
for a higher branch. To each person I may have encountered at the William Penn Charter Day Camps,
Huntsville High School, 1991 Alabama Boys State, the United States Navy’s 1992 Boot Camp Company 081 –
NRTC/San Diego, the United States Navy’s 1992‐1993 Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and
Training Program, The Florida A&M University, The Florida State University, the Florida Education Fund &
Minority Participation in Legal Education Scholarship, the University of Miami School of Law, Iron Arrow, the
Shutts & Bowen law firm, Steinberg, Moorad & Dunn and the Florida Legislature, thank each and everyone
of you for the unique stamp of support and contribution you have made to my life!
By: Don West, Jr.
12
AXIS LEGACY ADVISORSTM
PRESENTS
A GUIDE TO CRAFTING
PERSONAL LEGACY STATEMENTS
AN ANCIENT LEGACY TOOL OF THE WEALTHY & WISE
13
"History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell
their political and cultural time of day. It is also a compass that people use to find themselves
on the map of human geography. History tells a people where they have been and what they
have been, where they are and what they are. Most important, history tells a people where
they still must go and what they still must be. The relationship of history to the people is the
same as the relationship of a mother to her child."
‐John Henrik Clarke
14
“There are certain things that are fundamental to human fulfillment. The essence of these
needs is captured in the phrase 'to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy'. The need to live is
our physical need for such things as food, clothing, shelter, economical well-being, health. The
need to love is our social need to relate to other people, to belong, to love and to be loved. The
need to learn is our mental need to develop and to grow. And the need to leave a legacy is our
spiritual need to have a sense of meaning, purpose, personal congruence, and contribution.”
‐ Stephen Covey
15
Our days are numbered. One of the primary goals in our lives should be to prepare for our last
day. The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. What
preparations should we be making now? The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be
recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day.”
‐ Billy Graham
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BEFORE WE BEGIN
F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions
about Personal Legacy Statements
Who should consider writing a Legacy Statement?
Everyone. Yes, everyone. The benefits enjoyed by both writer and recipients are undeniable. “But I am not
rich. I am not famous. I am not even very well known,” you protest. But you are known by your family and
they are important to you just as you are to them.
When should I begin to write one?
Right now, no matter what your age. Don’t risk being ‘too late.’
Do I have to be rich to have a Legacy Statement?
Not at all! No matter who you are, your life and its corresponding story is a unique and priceless treasure.
Regardless of your position or starting point in life, countless lessons can be drawn from the servant,
worker, manager, or parent. Even someone subjected to servitude maintains the unique and precious gift of
life and all of life’s experience. Everyone possesses the opportunity to pass along lessons and virtues gained
from life’s experiences. The stories and lessons learned from those experiences, when written and
preserved in a Legacy Statement, will impact your family for generations.
Is a Personal Legacy Statement a legal document?
No. As a strictly personal message, the Legacy Statement is a non‐legal compliment to your other planning
documents. However, it is critically important that your Personal Legacy Statement does not contradict or
cloud any element of your estate plan or financial plans.
How often should a Legacy Statement be updated?
Each person will find a different answer to this question. In short, as your life changes and takes on new
dimensions your Statement may benefit from reflecting upon these experiences. As with other planning
documents, you can always make modifications and additions. Consider your Personal Legacy Statement as
a living document, always a work in progress.
When should my Legacy Statement be shared?
The time to share your Legacy Statement is completely up to you. You should share your Statement when it
feels right to you. Sharing your Statement during your lifetime may reap immediate rewards, but you may
prefer that it be read only after your death. Be sure to keep a copy of your final Statement with your
important papers and documents for safekeeping.
17
What should not go into a Legacy Statement?
Negative or critical commentary. As much as you may wish to settle a score or have the last word, do not
allow yourself to succumb to the temptation. You will be remembered by your words.
Can I get a coach or mentor to help me craft my Legacy Statement?
You sure can. Many people find it beneficial to have one‐on‐one coaching when trying to fish through all
the various memories and feelings swimming in their minds. Visit our website or send an email to
mentors@axis-publishing.com to receive a list of our affiliated coaches/mentors in your area.
Can I make an audio or video version instead of a written Statement?
Absolutely. For some, creating an audio or video version feels easier than writing a statement. If you choose
the audio or video route, keep in mind the advances in technology that you have experienced in your life.
Some can remember vinyl records, reel to reel recorders, 8 track tapes, cassettes, CDs, DVDs. The
technology you use to record your legacy may not be accessible for future generations who will most
assuredly use different technology. What does that mean? Be sure to have a printed transcript made of
your audio or video version.
18
THIS BOOK’S OBJECTIVES
Every person has a story to tell. Within that story lie invaluable life
Wealth, purposely conveyed
experiences and lessons learned. This book provides step by step
instructions and assistance for anyone interested in capturing a most from one generation to the next
precious resource in a way that will allow others to access the story far should not be limited to your
beyond the individual’s lifetime. tangible assets.
Many times the knowledge of and history from a previous generation Some of our greatest wealth
is lost forever. That leaves the next generation alone in the tasks of resides within us and this is a
learning all of life’s lessons in an ever changing world. resource that is too valuable
to be lost.
Introducing the Personal Legacy Statement
Ancient scriptures relate accounts of family patriarchs bestowing the How can crafting a Legacy
blessing to his heirs, especially the child that bore the birthright, Statement capture all the
typically the first‐born male child. This patriarchal blessing often
facets of a three-dimensional
included statements concerning values and religious beliefs along with
me?
wishes for the future including the patriarch’s desires for his children.
The custom followed both a verbal and written tradition.
Deuteronomy, Chapter 26, Verses 5 – 11, is a classic example of a “group” legacy statement. This is a faith
statement initially shared orally among the Hebrews and then eventually put into written form. The words
remind the people of their history and who they are as a people. Genesis, Chapters 25 – 27, recount the
well known narrative of a patriarchal blessing “gone bad” that ultimately turned out good – the story of
Father Isaac and his twin sons, Jacob and Esau. More than 3,000 years after the events, this legacy
statement continues to hold a critical place in the faith journey of millions of people.
History indicates the practice of creating Legacy Statements continued into medieval times. Fathers wrote
letters to heirs, to pass on the guidelines for living a worthy life. Somewhere along history’s path creating
the Legacy Statement fell out of mainstream use. All subsequent generations have been the poorer because
of it. The imagined uses for these written legacy communications between the generations is boundless in
their ability to educate and prepare future generations for the challenges of life.
19
UNDERSTANDING THE BASIC LEGACY CONCEPTS
The concept of Generativity
Generativity is the ability to generate any tangible item that will exist beyond one’s earthly life; particularly
when exhibiting a need to nurture and guide younger people and contribute to the next generation. This
concept of generativity was first developed by the psychologist Erik Erikson as a part of his Eight Stages of
Development.
What is Legacy Planning?
Legacy Planning is a compliment to the estate planning process and focuses on the intangible assets a
person, family, or business possesses. Critical in the development of a lasting legacy is the ability to
maintain a tangible presence beyond the actual span of one's lifetime. While physical assets may be deemed
a component of a person's ultimate legacy, the focus on family or institutional history, values and the stories
that define us dictate that every individual, family and entity can be enriched through implementing a
strategic legacy plan.
A Personal Legacy Statement is an integral component of a complete Legacy Plan. Engaging in the exercises
of this workbook you will begin a generative quest to touch generations that may have yet to be born.
Capturing your own lasting words.
Your Personal Legacy Statement allows you to contemplate and articulate what life experiences and lessons
are closest to your heart. Imagine what questions you would ask a great‐grandparent, grandparent, aunt or
uncle who is no longer with you. What value would their answers have to your life? By writing your
Personal Legacy Statement you are creating a record of messages and information too valuable to be lost,
an exercise that may strengthen and solidify your sense of identity, legacy and purpose. It will be an
invaluable resource and treasure to those who come after you.
20
4 1
Family Mission Personal Mission
Statement Statement
The Axis
Legacy Building
Blocks TM
3
2
Personal Legacy
Strategic
Statement Life Plan
1 – Personal Mission Statement – Serves as a Guide to Daily Decisions
2 – Strategic Life Plan – Coordinates daily efforts toward achieving weekly, monthly, yearly, 3‐
year, 5‐year, 10 year & 20 year Goals
3 – Personal Legacy Statement – Captures the most precious thoughts, feelings and
sentiments for future generations
21
GETTING STARTED
What is your ultimate goal in writing a Legacy Statement?
What do you want your loved ones or history to know?
The Five Steps to Creating Your Personal Legacy Statement:
Step One: The Audience
Identify your audience. Narrow and clarify those whom you wish to address.
Step Two: The Roadmap
Consider your intentions and purpose then draft your opening lines.
Step Three: Reflection & Brain Storming
Reflect on what to include in the body of the document. Make notes for reference and/or complete a series
of stimulation exercises.
Step Four: The Refining Process
Integrate your thoughts and concepts into an outline.
Step Five: Pulling it All Together ‐ Time to Write
With your outline as a guide and your notes as your reference points begin to compose your Personal Legacy
Statement.
The process of crafting your Personal Legacy Statement is a reflective and thoughtful process. It deserves
your complete attention. This guidebook seeks to provide direction in the form of a structure and some
tools you will need to help you complete your statement. Because of the dynamic nature of the
development process, the creation of your Legacy Statement will not be confined to the suggestions Don &
Tim make in this guidebook.
Once you get started, you may find yourself thinking about what you want to say as you go about your
everyday routine. You should keep a notepad or a digital recorder handy to capture your thoughts and let
your thinking evolve over a few days or weeks.
Then begin to write. Do not worry about length; just write. Complete an initial Statement that captures your
most important thoughts and themes. From this solid starting point you can then go back and add to your
core messages as time and inspiration dictate.
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About the Authors
Donald L. West, Jr., Esq. is an attorney in Good Standing with the Florida Bar.
Attorney Don West, Jr. is a Trust & Estate Fellow to the American Bar Association’s Section of Real
Property, Trust & Estate Law, a Chartered Legacy & Trusts PlannerTM and Member of the
Axis Institute of Legacy & Estate Planning, a Charted Trust & Estate PlannerTM and Member
of the American Academy of Financial Management, has served as an Adjunct Professor of
Law at the University of Miami School of Law, as Vice President & Trust Officer to Axis
Legacy Planning & Trusts, P.L., and is Of Counsel to the Axis Law Group, P.L.
Attorney West focuses his legal practice and often lectures on issues involving legacy planning, high
visibility consulting, complex business transactions, mergers & acquisitions, corporate compliance
issues, legal matters in the sports & entertainment context and issues involving wills, trusts, and
probate.
B.S. in Psychology – The Florida State University, 1996.
J.D. – The University of Miami School of Law, 2000.
You may contact the author via email at:
dlw@DonWestJr.com
To learn more about the author visit:
His official website
www.DonWestJr.com
or
join his online community
www.DonWestJr.net
Empowering Legacy Development and Strategic Action‐Based Life PlanningSM
66
About the Authors
Dr. Tim Morrison, DMin is a native of Pennsylvania and writes for Write Choice Services.
Dr. Morrison served twenty‐five years in ministry, followed by several years in alternative medicine
before choosing to focus on writing. He holds doctorates in both ministry and naturopathy. Tim
resides in Marietta, Georgia, with his wife Marta.
Dr. Morrison is the author of three additional titles, including:
Healing Plants of the Bible: Their Uses Then and Now
PublishAmerica, LLLP 2002.
Combining history, anecdotal history, legends, and traditions, Healing Plants of the Bible: Then and
Now provides an informative look at faith concerns and healing practices and suggests that the two
have been intertwined since creation itself. Beginning with a consideration of the Hebrew people and
the surrounding cultures, the book discusses how through the centuries, religious communities have
both helped and hindered the advancement of healing knowledge and medicine. Healing Plants of
the Bible discusses thirty‐five plants that are used as essential oils today and compares those uses
with the plants’ uses in ancient times. Each plant considered includes Biblical references. Appendices
offer a more detailed look at the scripture in which each plant is mentioned as well as references to
an additional thirteen words related to essential oils, aromas, and worship.
Letters to My Sons: A Father's Faith Journey
PublishAmerica, LLLP 2005.
Letters to My Sons: A Father’s Faith Journey presents a father’s personal faith journey as shared in
letters to his sons. Meet people from various times in his life who influenced his faith. Enter into
events that shaped his beliefs as well. Read about the impact of a revered Sunday School teacher and
a high school sweetheart, and a healing generated by a young niece and nephew during a painful
time. Join in the conversation around such questions as: “God, how could you let this happen?” What
do you say when someone asks, “Are you saved?” How did you get through moments of doubt? What
about evolution and God, the Bible and homosexuality? Grounded in scripture and in the challenging
realities of everyday life, Letters to My Sons presents the formation of a moderate to liberal theology.
The book encourages readers to have serious, heart‐felt, down‐in‐the‐dirt conversations with God.
Walk in the Spirit, A: Creating Dramatic Monologues Through Lectio Divina
PublishAmerica, LLLP 2008.
Listen as Peter recalls that night in the upper room when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Hear the
moving testimony of the Samaritan leper as he recalls life as an outcast and the joy of being healed by
Jesus. Ponder the powerful reflections of the woman at the well as she remembers her life‐changing
encounter with Jesus. In A Walk in the Spirit: Creating Dramatic Monologues Through Lectio Divina,
Tim Morrison shares his journey in using the ancient practice of lectio divina to hear and then tell the
old, old stories in a new way. Dr. Morrison describes his step‐by‐step process with lectio divina to
show readers how to create their own dramatic monologues for teaching, for guided meditation or for
preaching. The book also presents twenty monologues crafted by the author and presented to
numerous congregations in the United States as well as in Ghana.
67