In February 2023, I signed up to attend the “Let Her Lead” program’s inaugural “Legacy” event. 

At the time, I had spent years trying to build and launch a video service called “legacy videos” for families, which had gotten 0 traction in the market and had me on the brink of giving up.

I was desperate for a sign and hoped that legacy was something others actually cared about.

So when I saw that Catherine Porth, founder of Let Her Speak, was hosting a LEGACY event for WOMEN, I made sure I had a seat in the room.

You have a legacy.

That’s probably not the first thought you have every morning when your feet hit the floor and you’re stumbling to the bathroom, but you do!

No matter your age, experience, income level, or beliefs, you are building a legacy.

Let’s debunk some myths you might be believing about legacy storytelling.

…I figured just thinking about it was enough to “file it away.”

Surely I would remember later. Surely I wouldn’t forget.

But I did forget.

I have no way to go back and re-capture that moment. He doesn’t remember what he said, and even if he did, he wouldn’t say it exactly how he did originally.

So how do you begin documenting your story, of the story of someone you love?

If telling our stories were as easy as picking up a drive-through chicken sandwich for lunch, we’d all be doing it, right?

But I’ve not met many people who have started and finished telling their story - whether that be in book form, or with a legacy video.

Why is that?

Remembering an entire lifetime of facts, emotion, and pulling it together in a way that connects with others to read or watch it is a monumental task. Especially on your own.

When it comes to preserving your "life story," many people wrestle with the choice between writing a book or creating a video. Both mediums offer a lasting "legacy," but they also come with distinct challenges and benefits. So, which is easier and more effective for sharing your life story and creating a legacy?

Whether your grandparent is an amazing conversationalist and you always feel loved and connected when you’re together, or you wish you enjoyed time with your grandparent, but right now it’s a struggle, these questions and conversation prompts are for you.