A few months ago, I found myself, to my surprise, signing up for an estate planning workshop at our synagogue. Sunday morning with a financial planner/tax attorney seemed like a practical way to use my daughter's religious school time and get some retirement planning advice. Why not?
But the workshop had an interesting focus that I hadn't anticipated. The discussion was less about how to save money and pass on assets, but rather on what you can do now to create an impact in your life. Our rabbi opened by sharing the Jewish tradition of the ethical will – a document not for material possessions, but for passing down values, the lessons learned, the memories cherished. As someone who guides families through end-of-life services, he often witnesses the uncomfortable moment when a grieving family realizes that beyond assets, they don’t truly know what their loved one would want them to carry on. It was never shared, it was never expressed.
It made me ponder: how do I want to be remembered? If I were to write an ethical will today, what would I share as I put pen to paper about what I’ve learned along my life's journey, the people, experiences, even art and music that shaped me. I am still pondering. But beyond reflection, I am also asking what small, tangible actions can I take now? One is this: give more time.
One Small Act: Give Your Time
In money and in life, I've come to appreciate the simple power of the 80/20 Pareto Rule (20% of the input results in 80% of the results). Just as trying to save 20% of your money can put you significantly ahead financially, investing just a little bit of your time can make a big impact in your life and your community.
This isn't about striving to be in the top 20% of everything you do. Instead, consider focusing on just one area, one cause, one moment where you can actively contribute your energy and time that your family and community will remember. The small act of giving just a little time to something beyond ourselves is often the most rewarding way to create a legacy.
This post is inspired by my husband, David👇who embodies the spirit of giving. Whether he's sparking minds hosting his monthly innovator's salon, or bravely stepping up to coach our daughter's soccer team (despite zero experience!), his dedication to volunteering is truly inspiring. Here he is with his dad who generously donated his time along with more than 50 other volunteers at the career fair David organized for our daughter’s school this week. ♥️
Thank you for reading! Wishing you a creative and Kaizen week ahead. If you enjoyed this post please subscribe to keep me motivated to keep writing and creating, every Saturday in 2025!
xx, autumn