Building A Legacy: Why You Should Think About It Now
It might sound a bit strange for someone in their early thirties to be posing this idea. I don’t think it’s ever too early to consider this though. I think a lot of us float on, coast through, allowing whatever happens to do just that - to happen to us.
I have found it far more rare to come across someone who, frankly, set out to “happen” to their own life.
I am so puzzled by this idea. Assuming the backseat position is a passive approach to living. In my opinion, living well or fully requires intention which is preceded by attention. If we don’t pay attention, notice or literally tend to the elements of our lives – our inner life, our family, our work, our spiritual development or sense of purpose – of course our circumstances will rule us. We will continue to grow baffled as we age and realize how much time has passed and how little we feel we’ve accomplished or really become.
For me, I know I’ve lived scared for quite a while. Lived in fear of failing myself on what I set out to do. Or maybe don’t even know where to begin. I mentioned in a recent post – Visions of The Future – a virtual webinar I attended in 2020. It was called “Building Your Life Plan.” The host cited Victor Frankl’s famous book Man’s Search For Meaning and clearly explained a life of purpose must have three essentials:
A project (i.e. task, a work or a specific deed – something to do
A redemptive or optimistic perspective on challenges and suffering
(aka - a resilient spirit marked by hope)
A community, a tribe of people who you trust to share life with
The host also echoed my above sentiment – meaningful lives do not happen by accident but with intent. So, the first task on the agenda was writing a figurative obituary and eulogy for yourself – what do you hope is the story of your life. Who did you love? What or who did you sacrifice for? Did you live in your values, on a mission? What did you make visible?
How does one even go about that though? What’s worth including? I think the above questions are a great place to start.
People tend to remember how someone made them feel, what kind of energy they brought to life and those around them. People also want someone to admire, to look up to and be inspired by.
So, here’s a question related to your vocation or your work that might be a place to begin:
How do you want to be remembered, many years from now, when you’ve completed your career and work? How did the people around you benefit from the work and from you being the one who did it?
You can apply this same philosophy to your relationships and your passion projects or hobbies. I know it might be hard to imagine, so I’ll give you a small taste of how I’d like mine to read:
[Kelsey] was remembered by her [thousands of therapy clients] for [being attentive, warm and providing insight to the things beneath the surface] that helped them [be able to identify their deepest values, become wiser, live more aligned and with more integrity, and brought renewed vitality and zeal for life. She ultimately helped them understand their life’s work and bring meaning to themselves and their relationships. She always provided a safe, non judgemental and kind approach to everyone she served and equipped her clients to integrate all areas and truly thrive in their lives].
[Kelsey] was also remembered by her [friends] for [being the one to call when trials and tears came, as well as their biggest champion to dream bigger, take action, and celebrate well every step of the way. She was honest, loyal and loved in a bold, wholehearted and vulnerable way that was magnetic and motivating. She was also known for her giant hugs and soft smile to both dear friends and strangers. She was on a mission to spread hope, peace and joy throughout her life and it was evident.]
You can even copy and paste this same format or, better yet, write this out on paper and put it somewhere you can see and reference it regularly. Revisit it every year and see how it may evolve or hold true. I think it can be an evolving process, and one that both keeps us focused and attentive both presently and into our futures.
I hope this thought process and exercise serves you well. I’d love to know if you have other thoughts, ideas, examples or questions. Feel free to fill out the form on the Let’s Chat tab at the top navigation bar – I will write back, no auto-replies here 🙂
Love + Light to YOU my dears.
Kindly,