The query, "When you depart from this world…..what legacy will you leave?" is what most people prefer to ignore, because it creates a vulnerable, uncomfortable feeling that only confirms imminent mortality. It is true that the majority of people do not want to discuss preparing a Will & Last Testament or pre-approve funeral arrangements primarily because it signifies an unsavoury finality and to most people this is just plain scary.
Leaving a legacy is a subject that many take pains to evade, but in reality this is so important to address and acknowledge so that your time is carefully and proficiently utilized during your lifespan.
What is a Legacy?
A legacy can be viewed as a gift - simply something that is passed down from one person to the next, from one generation to the next, from one government to the next or from one country to the next.
It can be comprised of material items or be of monetary value given through a bequest or it may amount to precious artifacts or specific knowledge that is automatically handed down to depict a cultural history or style of living.
Importance of a Legacy
The purpose of a legacy is to preserve past history from an older generation who contributed toward the progress and growth pattern of the present generation. The intention of a legacy is to ensure that humanity will continue to evolve and proliferate by learning valuable knowledge and lessons from its past.
Types of Legacies
Legacies may consist of positive or negative merits, which may summarize the benefit or downfall of future generations.
Throughout history this has been documented time and again. For example, Austrian-born Adolf Hitler left a negative legacy of hatred and fear through mass human destruction, whereas West German-born Ludwig van Beethoven left a positive legacy of love and joy through refined classical music.
Other types of legacies can be:
1. War between or among countries leave a lasting legacy to the survivors who are then left with the daunting task of rebuilding, restructuring and resolving what is left. This is such a valueless legacy; however, all is not wasted if certain lessons can be learned that result in over-all future improvement.
2. At an environmental level, how we currently treat the planet will result in the type of legacy left to our children, grandchildren and future generations. Thankfully, this is something that more are becoming aware of and embracing through conscious cooperation.
3. Some will leave a legacy of creativeness or higher knowledge through painting, music, designing, sculpturing, carving and writing books or poetry
4. Some will leave a legacy through teaching or mentoring students to learn crafts, sports, healing therapies, languages or academic subjects
5. Some will counsel about self-care, self-love and building self-esteem leaving a legacy about empowerment and self-improvement
6. Some will leave a legacy for selfless giving of their time and sharing unconditional love and graciousness
Set Your Legacy in Motion, Sooner than Later
Sure, you can just avoid the whole issue and still leave legacy, but you risk the chance that it will not be the legacy you really wanted to submit or be remembered by.
The adage, “Life is too short” is so true; therefore, it is not only to your benefit, but better still, to the benefit of future generations that you gather your courage and face reality while you have total control to do so.
Although you may not realize the value of constructing a meaningful legacy, perhaps it is time to consider how you would like to be remembered. Presumably, you would want to be remembered for your personal talents, gifts or contributions that will be honoured or valued long after your demise.
In order for this to occur, you must first build an appropriate legacy to leave, but this takes conscientious time, effort and hard work. However, the time to think about this is now, so there is ample time to establish suitable parameters that will start the pendulum swinging in the direction of your choice. If you wait until you are ill, mentally incapacitated or at death’s door then you will feel pangs of regret, because by then it will be too late.
Sort and Document
Thinking about what legacy you would like to leave may leave you inundated with indecision or feeling lost mainly because you currently have no plan of action. Avoid getting stressed; instead, stop and just relax.
Observe what you evaluate about yourself and then write them down so that the list is easier to examine and sort.
1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. What are your limitations?
4. Are you willing to take risks into areas which provide no positive guarantees?
5. What is your marital status (single, married, divorced, committed)
6. Is there anything or anyone preventing you from pursuing your dream or goal?
7. Do you have a positive or negative disposition?
8. What are all your natural talents or gifts?
9. What is the driving force behind your decision making?
10. Do you make your own choices or do you allow others to do it for you?
11. Based on feelings from your heart centre (not your ego), what compels your interests?
12. Do you feel stagnated in your present occupation or present lifestyle?
13. Do you have feelings of regret for past decisions; if so what are they?
14. Do you feel stressed, short-tempered or bored with your present occupation or present lifestyle?
15. If a magical fairy gave you one wish to become whatever you want, what you choose to be?
16. If a magical fairy gave you one wish to be involved in helping humanity, what would you choose to do?
17. If a magical fairy gave you one wish to live anywhere in the world, what country would you choose
18. Are you easily influenced by other people’s opinions?
19. Are you a self-starter or do you need to be coerced and monitored?
20. Do you like to work alone or in groups?
21. Do you consider yourself to be independent or co-dependent?
22. Are you a leader or a follower?
23. Are you neat and organized or do you live and operate in clutter and chaos?
24. What is your current level of education?
25. Are you willing to further your education in order to open new doors?
26. Do you have many or few years to retirement?
27. What are your present priorities?
28. What are your future attainable goals
29. How do you define success - is it by position, title, wealth, important associates, material assets, fame or other?
30. Are you open to embrace changes in your life?
31. What do you wish to be remembered for?
32. What good deeds have you already accomplished or contributed toward?
33. What type of feelings gnaw at you and just won’t go away or let up
34. What outside activities are you presently involved with that provide total enjoyment or satisfaction?
Make a Choice and Adhere to the Plan
Once you have answered the above questions, while still in a relaxed state, evaluate them in order of importance or priority to you. You can ask for assistance from others, but in the end only your opinion matters.
The list will outline your natural proclivity, despite your educational background, present career, marital status, title, gender or financial background. It is important to pay close attention to what attracts your undivided attention the most. Be totally honest about what calls to you. What shouts to your heartstrings without any thought of monetary or personal gain? Avoid believing that it’s too late….it’s never too late to start something so worthwhile and avoid allowing fear of change to stop your pursuit.
Your choice of legacy may surprise you and it may not materialize as being the easiest path to walk, but in the end it will ultimately bring your soul the most growth, satisfaction and spiritual joy.
© Margaret I. Jang
www.onesourcelearn.com