Jacinda Gouveia – President & Publisher, Majestic Dove Publishing, LLC
Memories Made. Stories Told.
At Majestic Dove Publishing, we believe that every story — no matter how ordinary it may seem — carries extraordinary meaning. Recently, at the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library, we had the privilege of sharing that message in a talk titled “How to Write Your Legacy to Leave as a Gift for Your Loved Ones.”
Whether you’ve lived in one place your entire life or traveled the world, your story matters. It’s not about fame or fortune — it’s about intention. The decision to say, “I will not let my story die with me.”
What Is a Legacy?
When most people hear the word legacy, they think of possessions — things that can be passed down. But the most powerful legacy is the one written from the heart.
It’s the story of you:
your lessons, laughter, challenges, and triumphs.
It’s the memories that connect generations and help your loved ones understand where they come from.
One day, someone you love will want to know:
- What made you proud?
- What helped you endure?
- What wisdom would you pass on?
Writing it down ensures your story remains a living voice — not just a memory.
Why Writing It Down Matters
There’s a timeless African proverb that says:
“When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground.”
At Majestic Dove Publishing, we believe your personal library — your wisdom, experiences, and hopes — deserves to live on. Writing your legacy bridges generations, affirming to those who come after you:
You come from somewhere. You come from someone.
And you don’t need to be a writer to begin. You only need to be authentic.
The LEGACY Framework
To make the process approachable, we developed a reflective framework using the word LEGACY. Each letter invites you to capture a new dimension of your story:
L – Lessons
What life has taught you — and what you’d want your younger self to know.
Prompt: “If I could sit with my younger self, I would say…”
E – Experiences
The stories and memories that deserve to be retold.
Prompt: “One of my favorite memories is…”
G – Gratitude
A space to honor those who shaped your journey.
Prompt: “I’m grateful to ___ because…”
A – Achievements
From milestones to quiet victories, what makes you proud?
Prompt: “I am proud that I…”
C – Character
The values that defined you and how you hope to be remembered.
Prompt: “I hope I am remembered as someone who…”
Y – Your Hopes
Your blessings and dreams for the people you love most.
Prompt: “If I could leave you with one hope, it would be…”
How to Capture Your Legacy
There’s no single “right” way to write your legacy. It could be:
- A handwritten letter or collection of letters
- A recorded message or video
- A scrapbook or photo journal
- Or even a self-published book — something we at Majestic Dove can help you bring to life.
What matters most is that your words exist — somewhere tangible, somewhere lasting.
Begin with One Page
Here’s your gentle challenge:
Before the month ends, write one page.
One story. One reflection. One lesson you never want forgotten.
Because when you do, you’re not just writing for today.
You’re writing for tomorrow — and for generations yet to come.
Your story is not only your history. It’s your gift.
🕊️ Start Your Legacy Project Today
To help you begin, Majestic Dove Publishing has created a beautifully designed Legacy Writing Workbook, featuring guided prompts, reflection pages, and a heartfelt dedication to the Friends of the Helen B. Hoffman Library — a community that continues to inspire storytelling across generations.
👉 Click here to explore the workbook and begin writing your legacy today.
Leave a Reply