We all want to leave our mark on this world—to know that our life mattered.
What does it mean to leave a legacy?
It means putting a stamp on the future, and making a contribution to future generations. People want to leave a legacy because they want to feel that their life mattered.
It’s on my mind because I just gave my mother’s Eulogy last week. Her legacy of 7 children, 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren were just part of what she left behind. The indelible mark that she left me was that “it’s up to us now”. An end of an era. She was the last of her generation in our family to pass away.
“An end to a generation that will only be known to us by what we do to carry it on. It’s up to us to share this history of the “old country”, of trial and hardship to make your way in a foreign land be it a new country or a new state.
We her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, need to stay connected! We need to commit to bringing everyone together on a regular basis so that the next generation will know each other, and know this history and these traditions.”
Like my mother, I have a deep desire for my girls to understand and pass on the importance of family.
I got a little reminder yesterday that so far, I’m doing a pretty good job. This watercolor was left as a surprise by my oldest with a little note. She said “dear Mom and Dad I’ve loved getting to see the life you’ve started to build here and I can’t wait to make even more memories in this new home of yours.”
Tears? Of course!!!
It was just the confirmation I needed to keep doing exactly what my heart is calling out to me.
If you are not sure what you would like your legacy to be head to the blog. I’ve got some questions that will help you get started.
These 10 questions will help you to identify the legacy that you desire to leave:
What do you want your life to stand for?
How do you want to be remembered by your family and friends?
What will those beyond your circle of family and friends remember you for?
What kind of an impact do you want to have on your community?
How will the world be a better place because you were in it?
What contributions do you want to make to your field?
Whose lives will you have touched?
What lessons would you like to pass on to future generations?
What do you want to leave behind?
How can you serve?
I’m here for you…
Love
Lisa