Imagine that you have died and put yourself in the position of having to write your own obituary for the local newspaper. What would you say? In other words, how do you want to be remembered? What are the most important things that you experienced in your life? Alternatively, write your own eulogy, which will be recited at your funeral. Did you live and work in such a way that the last comments about you are really what you want to have said?

Are you now living and working with meaning? Assuming that someone else does write your eulogy (or obiturary), what would be different about it from what you have written in the above exercise? Remember Scrooge's experience in the classic tale, "A Christmas Carol?" What would your encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Future, in which you get a glimpse of your destiny, be like? How would people remember you, talk about you? Regardless of your faith-based orientation, there is an important life lesson here, so stick with me! As you get ready and plan for the New Year, please reflect upon the things that really matter--the things that, ultimately, will comprise your life's "legacy."