Happy Friday!
I hope that you had a great week! It's a beautiful day in Dallas with a clear, sunny blue sky.
I was driving to an appointment this morning and passed a junior high school with signs outside that read "Start Your Legacy Here".
I thought that was powerful yet intense thing to start thinking about in junior high school. But maybe that's the right time. I wonder how many pre-teens know what they want out of their lives and what impact they will have on future generations.
"Legacy" (as a noun) can either imply something physical that is left in a well, such as money or property, or the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc., taking place in the past, or of a person's life. This may include creations, such as architecture or art, music, as well as deeds or values. Legacy is also used to identify candidates for membership in an organization or school, such as children of alumni. The word originated form the Latin "legatus" meaning "person delegated" and was used to denote the function or office of a deputy.
One's legacy is the sum of personal values, accomplishments and actions that resonate with others and make a difference in the world. It involves community and a sense of purpose and can include traits such as kindness, compassion, integrity and being charitable. Although the human life span is the longest it has ever been, none us live forever. It can be hard to take time out of our busy lives to ask ourselves why we are here, although I think that it is useful to do that every so often and inculcate that to the younger generations. It is said that leaving a legacy improves mental health, promotes greater resilience and leads to a higher quality of life. Consciously working toward a legacy and having purpose tends to make people happier and satisfied, as well as more motivated. People who perceive their lives as meaningful tend to live longer and take better care of themselves.
Having a "calling" is often connoted in a religious context but it is certainly not limited to that. The things that bring meaning to our lives vary widely but it is important to identify them and determine whether they align with one's core values. This may take work and deep self-reflection.
BetterUp.com lists 12 questions to "uncover the lasting impact you hope to make:
- Which values define a good person?
- What life lessons have most impacted me and how I live?
- What know-how or lasting impression have I made on others' lives so far?
- What's one thing I'd like future generations to remember about me?
- What positive family traditions do I strive to keep up? (My comment – or which ones do I strive to eliminate?)
- Are there any physical or financial possessions I'd like to bequest in my estate plans, like real estate, investments or a business?
- What positive changes would I like to see in the world?
- What do I hope my family members, loved ones, and colleagues say about me?
- What work or activities make me feel the most motivated and fulfilled?
- What talents can I bring to positively influence my community, workplace or family?
- What initiates can I take to align my actions with the legacy I'd like to leave?
- What's my greatest accomplishment?"
Happy Friday goes out to people over a wide age range, in locations around the world, and people in very different circumstances. However, having a legacy is a universal concept and if it is emphasized in junior high school, those students are off to a good start. What will yours be?
Have a terrific weekend!
Deb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ags5PUDKLi8