Legacy

What is your legacy? Have you ever thought about it?

We often refer to people by their titles, status, or wealth, as in “she’s a doctor” or “he’s a billionaire.” It works the other way, too: “he’s homeless” or “she’s a drug addict.” As we reach middle age, legacy begins to bear down on us, often intensifying in retirement.

What have I accomplished? How has my life made a difference? How will I be remembered?

It’s surprising how easily the ego deceives us regarding the true meaning of legacy. Job titles, social status, and sought-after accomplishments consume a lot of our energy. But how many funerals have you attended where the eulogy inventoried such items?

Years ago, I participated in a powerful team-building exercise. The facilitator gave each of us 15 slips of paper, one for each attendee, and asked us to write down the thing we most appreciated about that person.

When we finished, responses were collated and handed out for each person to read back to the group. Suffice it to say that we don’t see ourselves as others see us. Team members were visibly moved as they read their feedback. The exercise gave us a sneak preview of our legacies. I’ve never forgotten it.

With notable exceptions (Einstein, Van Gogh, Churchill, Presley, etc), legacy isn’t about status, accomplishments, or possessions. The vast majority of us will be remembered (or not) for how we treat others, including waiters and custodians. How we treat others who don’t hold sway over us affects those who witness our behaviors.

Many people believe heaven is an actual place we go when we die. I like to think of life everlasting as the impact our Spirit will have on those we’ve touched.

Our legacy encompasses things we overlook, but others always notice.

Writer George Saunders gave the best advice I’ve come across on crafting one’s legacy:

“Be kind whenever possible…
It’s always possible!”

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I am currently writing a second book, titled The Secret Within. Installments can be found here. 

Former blog posts can be found here by subject category and here chronologically. 

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My first book, Towards A Life Well-Lived, can be purchased by clicking this link. Proceeds from sales are donated to Peace In Schools, a Portland, Oregon-based organization that supports mindfulness training in high schools.