At some point many of us begin thinking about leaving a legacy that will continue after we’ve died. We want to leave behind tangible evidence of our lives. We want to know that our living made a positive difference.
A legacy is something handed down from one generation to the next. Some people are able to leave big legacies—Eisenhower’s cross-country superhighway system, Carnegie’s free public libraries, Roosevelt’s national parks.
Most of us will leave much smaller legacies, though no less important to those we love.
I recently attended a beautiful funeral service for a friend’s father who had died in his mid-80’s. It was deeply moving to see his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren honor him and his life. His family is his legacy.
Examine your life and consider the possible legacies you might leave behind. You could:
- Coach and mentor younger or less experienced people in the workplace to help them enhance their careers:
- Befriend and guide children in the community through organizations such as “Boys & Girls Clubs” and “YouthFriends” to provide valuable adult guidance:
- Donate money and other resources to support causes and organizations you strongly believe in;
- Create art, literature or music that expresses your perceptions, beliefs or feelings and present them to family, friends or your community;
- Document your personal and family history on videotape, audiotape, and scrapbooks;
- Write letters to loved ones telling them what they have meant to you;
- Put together a cookbook of your favorite recipes with the stories you associate with each recipe;
- Build a successful business that may be carried on by family members;
- Live an honest and selfless life. Be of good cheer. Be an example of these things to others.
*Originally published 4/11/06 in The Kansas City Star “FYI Solutions” Section, “An Authentic Life” Column as a series of articles contributed by Kansas City life coach Lorrie Crystal Eigles. Eigles provided monthly insights, tactics, and encouragement to help readers realize their potential and lead more rewarding lives.
