How Will My Legacy Live On?
In one way or another, we all wonder how we will be remembered when we’re gone. We hope it’s for all the good we’ve contributed to our family, friends, neighbors, and everyone we meet. Are we living to “live a legacy life”?
What does it mean to live a legacy life?
Merriam-Webster defines a legacy as
- a gift by will, especially of money or other personal property
- something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
- a candidate for membership in an organization (such as a school or fraternal order) who is given special status because of a familial relationship to a member
So, there are several options for leaving a legacy in life to the next generation. Let’s focus on the second bullet point, “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past”. Rather than considering something as a thing, let’s consider something as an experience. Or a set of values, the virtues we live by.
Leaving experiences and virtues
Lately, I’ve been meditating on my actions. Are they leaving the legacy I desire? I think my children, family, and friends will remember me as hard-working and caring. Will they remember me for the experiences I helped create or bring into their lives?
Are these experiences memorable? These don’t have to be viral TikTok videos. No, the simple everyday things. Showing up on time. Maybe I’m alone when I show up for all the “important” things on-time when my family is left to wait. Day by day, my attempt is to break those habits and put the first things first.
Ultimately it’s our actions that shape our virtues. We can talk all we like, but it’s how we act when no one and when everyone is watching that we are remembered.
Create experiences while you can
Lately, we’ve had a number of family reunions. We’re fortunate to have that opportunity. Listening to stories of I worked hard, I saved, now I’m sick, or I’m in poor health, or worse brings into focus the importance of creating experiences while we can.
Our family found through COVID we really enjoyed RV travel. One day in September 2020 changed our outlook on the world and on travel. We expanded our horizons. We began creating new experiences. Creating memories that we hope will last a lifetime for ourselves and our kids.
Enjoying these moments as we are creating these experiences helps me live a legacy life. How are you living a legacy life?
Take time to capture your memories of your experiences while they are fresh in your memory. Our Family Storyteller’s Journal is perfect. But, really any form of journal works. Just start writing. Share your writing with your loved ones. They will cherish the memories as much as you!
I wish you an epic journey of a lifetime as you live a legacy life!