Honoring Memories with Ashley Jones

Ashley Jones is the founder and CEO of the Memento Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people on their healing journeys through grief. Driven by the loss of her daughter, Ashley’s work has touched countless lives, providing tools and resources for healing. At October’s Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals, Ashley led a poignant activity that encouraged participants to reflect on the lasting impact of those they’ve lost.

Her activity invited participants to think about someone they’ve lost who helped shape who they are today. What followed was participants sharing a value, piece of wisdom, or ritual they inherited from that person—something that still influences their lives. Recognizing how these connections continue to shape our actions and values can be eye-opening and liberating, and it is a great way to do it than with a friend, colleague, or family member.

Try This Activity in 4 Simple Steps

1. Think of Someone Who Influenced You
   1. Think about someone you’ve lost who had a significant impact on your life.
2. Identify Their Legacy
   1. Reflect on a value or lesson they passed on to you. What do you carry forward from their influence?
3. Share Their Story
   1. Say their name, your relationship to them, and how they remain a part of your life today.
4. Encourage Dialogue
   1. Invite others to share their own stories in a group or one-on-one setting.

Fostering deeper understanding and connection by sharing the legacies of those who have shaped us is like a door we open for others to peer into the meaningful corners of our identity.

By reflecting on the values and lessons we’ve inherited from those we’ve lost, we honor their memory while also revealing more about ourselves to others. It’s a chance to share a piece of our story and learn from the experiences of others.

It’s an impactful approach to deepening relationships in both personal and professional settings. It allows you and your friends, mentors, colleagues, and even relatives to connect on a deeply human level, fostering trust and empathy. Whether it’s around a dinner table, in a team-building workshop, or during a one-on-one conversation, this activity serves as a powerful reminder of the connections that define us.