The Legacy We Leave Behind

What do we say when we are asked, “Do you want to leave a legacy?” or “How do you want to be remembered?” or “What do you want to be remembered for?” or “Do you care if you’re remembered at all?” The questions appear to be straightforward, but the answers are not.

When I was asked if I wish to leave a legacy behind, I wasn’t sure how to respond. I was having difficulty coming up with an answer. These thought-provoking questions sparked new insights into my own life and experiences.

Do I want to leave a legacy? Yes, I do!

It’s not so much what I leave FOR my family, friends, and others around me as it is what I leave IN them while I’m still here to engage in and live through the experience.

As I’ve gotten older, more mature, and seen the fragility of life, I’m overwhelmed by the sense that time is fleeting and precious. I’ve started to pay more attention to the impact of my words, actions, emotions, and outlook on life. It’s not just about meeting my daily needs; it’s more meaningful when I can connect with something bigger than myself.

My interactions with like-minded individuals, as well as my loved ones, motivate me to pursue my causes, inspire others by leading by example, and share my experiences. It has the feel of a collective force, and I hope it continues to inspire and motivate us on our individual journeys of life’s activities and efforts.

My family, friends, and society as a whole have long influenced my beliefs, values and behaviour, laying the groundwork for my legacy. However, as my emotional maturity grows with age, I am able to see the consequences of a decision far into the future. I remind myself of the possibilities that exist both within and beyond what has been given to me, as well as what I can create and pass on.

The transformation happened gradually, and there came a point in my life when my popularity, successes, and failures didn’t matter. I learned to accept and deal with challenges in ways that would fuel my growth by embracing the person inside of me, and being in a happy space. By reflecting on my core values, I was able to shift my priorities away from myself and toward “how I can contribute to life today?”

Learning, exchanging ideas, being compassionate, cultivating a positive attitude, making a difference, and allowing others into my life are all powerful ways for me to make this journey worthwhile along the way. Being inspired and inspiring others to make positive changes is a virtuous cycle.

I’m not concerned about what happens when I’m gone because what I do today is what matters. When I wake up to another sunrise, I try to make the most of the day before the sun goes down because I never know what tomorrow will bring.

Living life consciously, spending time with people who inspire me, savouring the small moments, being my best self, expressing gratitude, and broadening my life experiences empowers and brings me great joy.

Don’t rush out to get the newspaper; my name isn’t yet in the obituaries. I’ll probably post a “Position Vacant” ad in the Classified section before I leave.