More Than Stories: Reflecting on Legacy with Dr. Lawrence Loh
On April 29, I had the privilege of hosting LegacyNex’s 3rd Living Legacy Series, where people dialled in from across countries and time zones for a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Lawrence Loh — a public health leader, father, and passionate advocate for legacy storytelling.
Dr. Loh shared a beautiful reminder: capturing our stories isn’t just about preserving history — it’s about living our legacy every day. The simple act of reflecting on what matters most can offer clarity, connection, and guidance, becoming a source of strength for future generations in times of uncertainty.
“It’s not the facts that move us — it’s the stories. It’s the sharing and listening that stir our spirits and inspire us to action.”
We spoke about the everyday ways we document our lives: birthday cards, journals, recipes, poetry, or handwritten notes to loved ones. As Dr. Loh emphasized, these aren’t just words or objects — they become roadmaps, anchoring memories and values for the people we care about.
One message that deeply resonated was the importance of context. Facts tell us what happened, but it’s our emotions, values, and reflections that breathe life into those facts. Dr. Loh reflected on his fascination with the personal accounts of the World Wars — not for the mechanics of the events, but for the first-hand stories, the fears, hopes, and wisdom passed on through those who lived them. That’s what connects us to the past and strengthens us in the present.
We also acknowledged the fear that can accompany self-reflection, and how to move through it. Dr. Loh reminded us to start from where we’re comfortable, remembering that we’ve done difficult things before. Whether it’s writing a letter, sharing a recipe, drawing a picture, or recording a voice note — what matters is capturing the essence of who we are, in whatever form feels natural.
That’s exactly why I created LegacyNex — to help people connect the ‘next’ chapter of their lives and future generations to the wisdom, love, and resilience of those who came before. It’s not about perfection, it’s about presence. About showing up for ourselves and our people by preserving the parts of our story we’d want others to carry forward.
Legacy storytelling isn’t about history books. It’s about creating anchors of memory, meaning, and wisdom for those who’ll one day need them. And starting that process — in whatever way feels right — is one of the most generous things we can do for ourselves and for the people we love.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your stories, reflections, and presence made this conversation more than an event — it became a living, breathing reminder of what truly endures.
And as Dr. Loh so perfectly said: none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. But the stories we choose to tell today can echo for generations.
Getting started with a team that cares
At LegacyNex, we help individuals and families capture their values, stories, and insights — creating a legacy that inspires and guides future generations.
If you’re ready to explore how storytelling can enhance your legacy, let’s start the conversation.