Wilmington Memorial Library

The forever letter, writing what we believe for those we love, Elana Zaiman

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 213-221)

no index present

non fiction

The forever letter

bibliography

970610372

Elana Zaiman

writing what we believe for those we love

"A Forever Letter is a gift that will be read over and over again. Inspired by the centuries-old Jewish tradition of the ethical will, forever letter is a perfect way to share your most precious possessions: your values, wisdom, and love with the people who matter to you most. And you don't have to do it alone. Through empowering stories, sample letters, and writing tips, author Elana Zaiman serves as your companion on this journey of self discovery and deepening relationships."-- Back cover

My father's forever letter to his children -- Why write a forever letter? It's a tangible, lasting gift -- Sometimes we can write what we cannot speak -- The process of writing can take us to the heart of the matter -- We can clarify our values and live with greater intention -- We can ask for forgiveness and we can forgive -- We can make ourselves known -- We can come to better understand ourselves and our relationships -- We can state our ultimate truth -- We can influence the way we will be remembered -- Why we resist. "I'm not a writer" -- "I have nothing to say" -- "I've lived my values. My family knows who I am" -- "I want to wait until the person I'm writing to is older" -- "I want to wait until I'm older" -- "I'll get to it eventually" -- "I'm afraid I'll say something damaging" -- "I don't want to think about death. I'm still young. I have plenty of time" -- What matters most? Live your truth -- Give -- Take responsibility -- Never stop asking questions -- Be positive -- Say, "I believe in you" -- Love -- Show compassion -- Follow your dreams -- Express gratitude -- Listen -- How to increase our chances of being heard. Be present -- Meet a person where that person is -- Share personal experiences -- Be open, be vulnerable -- State hard truths with love -- Add quotes -- Incorporate stories -- Bestow blessings -- What to avoid. Favoritism -- Commanding with the pen -- Telling family secrets -- Encouraging others to live the values we never lived -- Lying to others, lying to ourselves -- Thoughts on the writing process. Get comfortable: place and paraphernalia -- Be open to emotion -- Show up -- Consider a writing partner -- Writing prompts. Sentence completions -- Questions -- Techniques for stirring it up -- Write and edit your forever letter. Let go of fear and write -- Our words need time to incubate -- Edit: reread, rewrite, reread (2x) -- Seek feedback -- Presentation -- Patience -- Appendix A: A brief history of the ethical will -- Appendix B: A forever letter to my son -- Appendix C: Quick notes for writing your forever letter