Leaving a LEGACY
What is a legacy? According to Webster dictionary it means the following:
: a gift by will especially of money or other personal property or bequest
: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
The biggest question we should be asking ourselves is “What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?”
I ponder this question and looked back at my life. The happy times, the sad times, the tough times and the peaceful times. I asked myself, “Did I make a difference?” Was I a good spouse, parent, daughter, friend, co-worker or leader? Sometimes yes and sometimes not. Did I learn from each experience? Definitely, and could I have done better? Absolutely!
Questions to ponder:
How do you want people to remember you?
What kinds of accomplishments do you want to achieve?
What precious moments would you like your family members and friends to reminisce about you?
- That you helped people when they needed you?
- As a good parent, spouse, friend, family member or person?
- You were happy and accomplished your goals and aspirations?
- You made a difference and contributed to this world in a positive way?
- You were fulfilled with your life and most of your actions?
What changes would you like to make to attain a better legacy?
There is still time to change your course in life and live the life you want! I know these are very deep questions, but it is time to look at your life and make changes so you can accomplish the legacy you want to leave behind.
Are there changes to be made in your attitude towards family, friends, co-workers by showing respect, kindness, compassion, and gentleness? Maybe realizing we are all different and we look at things in our own way. Are we too busy complaining and whining instead of coming up with solutions to make things better around us? Are there apologies which may need to be said towards those we offended or hurt? Or give forgiveness towards those whom hurt us?
The next big question is “What do you want to do about it?”
Be inspired, be happy and sometimes we ought to let go of what is making us unhappy. Chalk it up to a learning experience, move on, let go, and learn from it. Like the old saying goes: Sometimes people come into our lives to teach us a lesson; something we teach others. Which one are you?
I would love to see your comments and thoughts on what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. ~ Patti
com – TM
These are all such great questions, Patti! It really opens up the floor, especially for people who have taken a step back to look at their life and assess, but for those that haven’t then these questions also encourage people to do just that.
The kind of legacy I want to leave behind is one of hope and belief in humankind… Perhaps the kind of legacy I might leave if I had and raised children. I want people to remember me for what I am most passionate about, which is helping others. Even when I wasn’t sure on exactly how in terms of a career, I have always consciously known I’ve wanted to help others (for as long as I can remember).
You raise an interesting point in your closing paragraph. I believe that as humans we are all here for each other so sometimes I will be the person who comes into someone else’s life as a lesson (doesn’t that paint me in a fine picture- you know what I mean, I hope) and sometimes other people will come into my life to teach me something. Sometimes it’s mutual, and that’s quite special. 🙂
Thank you, Ellouise for sharing! 🙂 Helping others, following your passion and people remembering you that way is so awesome! I am glad the questions open up the floor for you. ~ Patti
Many years ago when I was doing my life skills coach training, I was asked “What do you want people to say about you at your funeral?” This question shocked me a little at the time, but it’s a question I often ask when people don’t know where their life is heading.
The question made me take a good look at my life and decide who I wanted be. My legacy that I hope they will say, I was a kind and loving person. A loving and positive person who adored her family. A great role model and someone who helped people to achieve the life they want. She made the world a better place.
I try to live my life this way every day and aim to be this person. I don’t always get it right but that’s part of the journey. xx Great post.
What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. Thank you for sharing. 🙂