Today on Messy Can’t stop her, we’ll be talking about living for legacy. How can you live your life in a way that you leave a legacy when you’re in the trenches of life grappling with challenges?
Before we find out the how, let us think about the word – legacy? What does the word legacy mean?
Legacy can be tangible things like real estate or money or intangible things like values, love, friendship, etc. Some believe that the most treasured forms of legacy are found in intangible gifts: values, memories, friendship, love, and respect. This is because it is not possible for many to leave legacies of assets but it is possible for all of us to leave a legacy if we want to.
But why is it important for us to live for legacy, how does it help us? Dr. Ken Druck, psychologist and leading mental health expert says our legacy allows us to continue paying the good in our lives forward even after we’ve passed.
If one is struggling or suffering where is the good, one may ask? The beauty in the life we’ve been given is that no matter how challenging our lives may be, if we take a moment to look within and around us, we will find good and the more we do this, the more we will find good. The thing is that whether we like it or not, we all leave a legacy wherever we find ourselves. Our legacies is how we are remembered when we leave a place. So, what will you like to leave, a legacy of love, goodness, kindness and things like that or will you like to leave a monument of misery? Will you like to be remembered for your troubles or will you like to be remembered for the good you did or embodied despite the troubles?
The MSG translation of the Bible says in Prov 13:22, a good life gets passed on to the grandchildren.
Your legacy is what you’re remembered by. Living with legacy in mind means being intentional about the impact you want to have on the world and the people around you. Even when you're struggling, it's possible to keep this mindset and work towards leaving a positive legacy. Even in the trenches of life, in the middle of hardship, Living for legacy means leaving a positive imprint everywhere you find yourself. It can be challenging to focus on this goal when you are suffering, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips that may help:
1. Identify and define your values: Take the time to identify what matters most to you and what you want to stand for. Think about what is important to you and what you want to be remembered for. These values will guide your actions and decisions and help you stay focused on your legacy, even during difficult times. What are your values? For me, my value is love. I want to leave every person I meet in person, virtually, through my words and writing, every interaction, feeling loved, valuable. I want to remind them they have something to offer, I want them to know that no matter what they’re going through or have gone through, their life counts for something. I want to be remembered for love. I value love more than money. I believe like the bible says that love covers a multitude of sins , that no matter how far gone a person is in despair, hate or even self destruction, love can bring them back. Does this mean that my world is now a bed of roses and that people don’t mistreat me? No. But I won’t mistreat them intentionally and where I do that mistakenly, I will apologize and make amends? Does this mean that people are not suspicious of me for this? They are, but that will not change my value. I do me and they do them while I pray for them.
2. Find meaning in your suffering: Try to find meaning in your suffering by using it to fuel your desire to make a positive impact on the world. You can do this by using your experiences to help others who may be going through similar struggles.
3. Focus on your purpose: Think about the impact you want to make and the difference you want to create in the world. Stay focused on your purpose, even when facing obstacles.
4. Focus on what you can control: While you may not be able to control your suffering, you can control how you respond to it. Try to focus on the things you can do to create a positive legacy, even if they are small.
5. Embrace challenges: Life is full of ups and downs, and setbacks are inevitable. Embrace the challenges you face as opportunities for growth and learning.
6. Connect with others: Cultivate meaningful relationships with others who share your values and goals. These connections can provide support and encouragement when you need it most.
7. Practice gratitude: Even when times are tough, take the time to focus on the things you're grateful for in your life. This can help you stay positive and motivated.
8. Keep perspective: It can be helpful to remember that suffering is a part of the human experience, and that everyone faces challenges in life. Keeping perspective can help you stay focused on your legacy and give you the strength to persevere through difficult times. Be resilient: Develop a resilient mindset that allows you to bounce back from setbacks and persevere in the face of adversity.
Living with legacy in mind is a journey, not a destination. It's important to stay committed to your values and purpose, even when you're struggling. Keep taking small steps towards your goals, and over time, you'll create a lasting legacy that reflects your values and the impact you've had on the world.
Remember that living for legacy is not about achieving perfection or avoiding suffering. It is about making the most of the time you have and leaving the world a better place than you found it.