When we create something we are passionate about, it can become bigger than us and touch many people. It becomes our legacy.
Building a legacy often requires blood, sweat, and tears. And some people dedicate their entire existence for something good to be passed down to future generations. It can be a massive undertaking or as simple as a family recipe book. Regardless, lasting legacies are something to be proud of and are most often built with love for a family to continue passing down.
What is a Legacy?
When we think of legacy, we think of what someone did leading up to their passing, a company they built or wealth they have left behind for their family. Legacy can be so much more than this, though. It could be something like personality/wisdom or even a lesson in how not to live. Legacies give us a good understanding of where we came from, helps us form lasting bonds with loved ones, and keep us grounded in our roots.
For example, a friend of mine lost her dad in a freak accident. It shocked everyone (obviously), and she was sad for a very long time. Years later we find ourselves laughing about things her dad would say or what kind of wisdom he would impart in certain situations. And if he was here today, he probably would give that advice. She takes so much comfort remembering him as he was and what he would say to support her today, as if he was really here.
How to Leave Behind a Worthy Legacy
There are many different ways to build a legacy if you don’t already have one. Or maybe you already have one and want to develop it further. Either way, here are some excellent ways to start thinking about creating a lasting legacy.
Family Traditions
Do you have family traditions that are already in place? If so, fantastic – start writing them down. If you don’t have any, this could be an excellent time to write about what you think could be good family traditions. It could be a family reunion, gathering at someone’s house on a set day, or simply getting everyone together to watch a movie. Nothing is off-limits, so be creative and think about ways for you and your loved ones to participate in fun activities.
Family Stories
Family stories are fascinating and learning about the people who came before you can be inspiring. If you don’t have any family stories, start writing them down. Then, someone down the line will take an interest, even if you think you haven’t accomplished anything.
Your Story
What is your story? What do you want to leave behind? This might feel overwhelming at first but write down your story and continue on whatever path leads you to the most peace. Though we don’t always think of things in the future, your story could provide insight to someone later down the line and hold valuable lessons for others.
Skillset
If you’re good at something, it could be utilized later in your family tree. We see this all of the time in trades. For example, let’s say you grew up in a family of doctors, and you want to follow that tradition. It’s likely, because you have been around them for your entire life, you’ve picked up little tidbits that make you feel comfortable in that study.
Though becoming a doctor is excellent, it doesn’t have to be that involved. It could be something like writing, sports, or anything extracurricular.
What Are Some Legacies You Can Leave?
There are many things that you could pass down to make a positive impact on your family and the world. Here is a list to get your creative juices flowing:
- Activism
- Recipes
- Businesses
- Skillset
- Book/Memoir
- Hobbies
- Wisdom
Legacies are so important and are a way to pass down positive messages to the world. It can help us remain grounded and connected to our roots and assist us in developing close ties with others. It can also impact how we see the world and what we need to do for positive change. So even if you’re just beginning to think about your legacy, you have to start somewhere, and it’s never too late.
