A number of weeks ago, I was inspired by a
presentation where the speaker challenged each of us to reflect on defining our
life in a single word. Yep, that’s correct—ONE WORD. I haven’t been able to let this idea go. I’ve journaled about it, and have evaluated
what words that I ultimately would like used to describe my life/actions/character
when it’s all said and done. I want to
leave a lasting, impressionable, inspirational legacy, and I assume that most
people want to do the same if they stop and think about it. Truth is, like it or not, everyone is building
a legacy of some sort this very second, whether positive or negative,
regardless of your age, net worth, or social circle. Every personal interaction, every email,
every tweet, like or post adds to your body of work that will reverberate
generationally through friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances. With that being said, the reflecting and
journaling that I did on this topic served critically important as it helped me
define my vision, but also it aroused the question: How do I really know if what
I think I’m emanating is truly received in the way I intend? I answered this by “taking it to the
streets”.
I picked seven people who know me in completely
different contexts (meaning, they weren’t all family members, or co-workers, or
long-time friends). Some had known me in
my younger years, and others had only known me for a couple months. The responses ranged from terms that have
been used to describe me since I was waist-high (bubbly/energetic) to terms
that I had to google because I was absolutely clueless (bellwether and
callipygian—they threw that one in there for fun). When I compared my list to their list,
nothing was identical, but there were definitely similarities and correlations.
The optimistic side of my personality
tells me that this means that I’m on the right track; that my vision is portrayed in my words,
actions, and choices. The introspective
part of me, urged me to hone in and refine; to use the spark that resulted from
this whole idea to ensure that for the rest of my living years that I’m
radiating deeper purpose whenever possible and to be more contentious of every
interaction, as it’s a way to leave my mark.
So as I go forward, I have been trying to commit
daily to living life with a “legacy orientation”. Someone doesn’t have to have
a spouse or children or a large trust fund in order to live a legacy-driven
existence. In fact, viewing legacy as a
mindset or something only to be shared with our tightest family circle is quite
limiting to its potential. Living with
legacy is not always about making everyone around you comfortable or
happy. It sometimes may mean saying hard
things; doing hard things, because you know them to be right. I invite each of you, instead, to envision
the impact of your life if every interaction was an opportunity to create
legacy. Leave your imprint through
meaningful interaction with everyone possible.
Blog Challenge:
First, write down your answers to the following questions:
If you could choose one word to define your life thus
far, what would it be?
At the end of your life, what word/characteristics do
you want others to attribute to you?
Based on the answers to the first two questions, what
is YOUR VISION for your life?
Secondly, formulate a list of people who will give you
a thoughtful and truthful response to the following question:
If you could describe me and my life and my character
in one word, what would it be?
Thirdly: 1)
Reflect on both lists that you’ve complied.
2) Make a list
of the words that you feel best fit your vision.
3) What can you
do in your everyday life to live with your legacy in mind? What are you willing to commit to?
