Legacy Planning and Ethical Wills with Susan Turnbull: The What and How of What Matters Most

At Âme Atendre, we believe that intentional gatherings create opportunities for deeper, more meaningful connections. In today’s blog, we explore the concept of Ethical Wills and how they offer a unique way to reflect on our values and pass on our most personal stories. As part of the Death + Dying series on On the Table with Ashley, we welcome Susan Turnbull, founder of Personal Legacy Advisors LLC. Susan has devoted her career to helping people create legacy documents that go beyond material wealth, focusing on the ethical and emotional values that define a meaningful life.

What Are Ethical Wills?

In her conversation with Ashley, Susan explains that ethical wills allow us to leave behind more than just financial assets. They give us a chance to reflect on the emotional, spiritual, and ethical values that have shaped us and pass those lessons on to future generations. By writing an Ethical Will, you’re offering a lasting message, filled with personal stories, values, and hopes for your loved ones. This deeply personal act of reflection is an opportunity to connect more authentically with yourself and your family.

Facing Our Legacies Together

Death and grief are often difficult to talk about, but by confronting them, we can find peace. Susan and Ashley’s conversation reminds us of the importance of emotional connection, even when facing life’s end. In discussing Ethical Wills, they touch on the discomfort that often surrounds these topics and highlight the value in grappling with our legacies. It’s about creating an emotional legacy—something that will resonate with those we care about long after we’re gone.

At Âme Atendre our philosophy is that fostering connection and supporting the moments that matter is vital to finding a sense of deeper peace. Just as we gather with intention around the table, these ethical wills encourage us to gather our thoughts, memories, and lessons in one place, to be shared for generations to come.

Building Meaningful Connections Through Legacy

Grief can often leave us feeling isolated, but creating an Ethical Will brings comfort through connection. By documenting your life’s most meaningful experiences, you are building a bridge between your past and your loved ones’ future. Susan’s work highlights how Ethical Wills serve as a way to pass on not only memories but also personal values, giving our families the gift of our most important life lessons.

This process is a reminder of the importance of community, vulnerability, and compassion. Whether we are hosting a family dinner or writing an Ethical Will, these moments of connection help us reflect on what truly matters.

Resources to Engage in Complex Conversation around Legacy Building

During her conversation with Ashley, Susan Turnbull shared a variety of valuable resources that can help guide you through the process of creating an Ethical Will and reflecting on your personal legacy. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking for deeper insight, these books and tools provide practical advice and emotional guidance as you begin to consider what you want to pass on to future generations. Here are some key resources Susan recommended:

• The Wealth of Your Life: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Your Ethical Will by Susan Turnbull: This guide is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to craft their own Ethical Will. Susan’s step-by-step approach makes it easy to capture your values, stories, and life lessons in a meaningful way.
• A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death by B.J. Miller, M.D., and Shoshana Berger: This book offers compassionate advice on preparing for the end of life. From practical tips to emotional insights, it helps readers navigate the complexities of death with grace and clarity.
• For You When I Am Gone: Twelve Essential Questions to Tell a Life Story by Steve Leder: A reflective guide to help you document your life story by answering twelve essential questions. This book is a beautiful tool for crafting your Ethical Will in a way that captures your spirit and legacy.
• The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker: While not directly about Ethical Wills, this book offers insight into how we create meaning and connection in our gatherings, helping you think more deeply about the values you want to pass on.

At Âme Atendre, we’re passionate about creating spaces where people can connect, share, and reflect on life’s most meaningful moments—whether around the dinner table or through a heartfelt legacy document.