Legacy Building 101
Time Won't Wait – Here's How to Start
Hey there, purpose-led hearts. 💬 In the comments, I want you to reflect on ONE INFLUENTIAL PERSON who transformed your life in profound ways.
I hope you're all enjoying (or at last coping well with) riding the waves of life and ready to dive deep into a topic that truly resonates with the very essence of our souls:
LEGACY.
But the problem with talking about legacy is that it feels so wildly high-level. It feels out of reach. There’s this “Who, ME!?” response about it sometimes.
It also feels hard to grasp the PRACTICAL ways in which we can leave a legacy because the first examples to come to mind are the famous, rich, wildly talented, influential, or incredibly well-resourced.
✨ But keep in mind that countless unsung figures throughout history have left an indelible mark, defying the odds. Remember, now, those in your own life history whose actions and mere BEING have changed the course of your life forever.
Also, remember this: because you're alive, observed, and expressing yourself, you're constantly making a mark, WHETHER YOU WANT TO OR NOT. Choosing an intentional legacy empowers you to craft the one (or ten) that you WANT TO MAKE.
I can think of a few of my own now: Mrs. Tuttle - my 2nd grade teacher who taught me to stand in awe of nature, its forces, its processes, and wonder (not pictured: me confidently holding a boa contractor as long as our classroom). See my beetle and nature highlights on Insta.
Julie Bickle, Enneagram 8 high school art teacher who singlehandedly championed my creative confidence, challenged my sense of what I was capable of, expanded my preconceived notions about the world and what was possible, exposed me to IRL artists around the country, and lifted me up as an unsuspecting leader in the art world (and still mentors and loves on me TO THIS DAY).
It’s actually painful to end the list there because the legacy-leavers just flood my mind.
So let's kick things off with a little exercise I invite you to do.
In the comments below, I want to know about that ONE INFLUENTIAL PERSON who waltzed into your life and left an indelible mark. I'm talking about those names that send ripples through your soul, from the renowned historical giants to the everyday heroes who have shaped your world. Because, my dear friends, whether you're aware of it or not, the people we encounter on our journey have the power to mold our destinies. 🚀
Remember, because you're alive, breathing, and making your unique imprint on this world, you are ALWAYS leaving a mark, WHETHER YOU INTEND TO OR NOT. Your mere existence is a brushstroke on the canvas of humanity. But here's where the magic happens: when you choose to create a legacy that sings to your heart and soul, one that you're INTENTIONALLY CRAFTING.
Unraveling the Magic of Recording Our Stories
Speaking of legacies, I've got a personal story to share, and trust me, it's one that strikes a chord deep within me. One of my biggest "if only" regrets is the failure to record my Italian grandfather's voice as he regaled us with tales of his childhood, parents, family, and the mundane yet beautiful tapestry of his life. 🇮🇹
The desire to do so burned within me for decades, but life's whirlwind always seemed to snatch away the "perfect" moment. I'd think, "Next time, on the next visit, I'll capture his stories." The sad truth is, the fabled "next time" never truly arrived. To be perfectly candid, I felt a tad awkward about asking. You know how it is – that inner dialogue: "What if he thinks it's an odd request? What if he'd rather keep those memories locked away?"
Time, the Elusive Thief
Years sped by, and those cherished moments slipped through my fingers like grains of sand. My "busy-ness" with the humdrum of daily life acted as an impermeable barrier. And, I'm sure you can relate, that wall of routine tasks, obligations, and responsibilities often blinds us to what truly matters – like helping someone etch their legacy into the annals of time.
I think this is a good time to ask you to grab a paper and pen (I prefer these ones) and write down this question in all caps:
WHAT
IS
IMPORTANT?
…and start listing your answers.
Anyway, so here's the caveat: I didn't entirely miss the mark. I scrambled to order him a 23andMe genetic test when he hit his 90s, ensuring that at least his genetic heritage would be forever enshrined. 🧬 Why? Because he was the keeper of ancestral knowledge, the sage of our family tree, and I couldn't fathom losing that irreplaceable treasure. That way, future generations would inherit not just his stories, but his very DNA – a lineage immortalized.
I strongly recommend that you offer the opportunity to take a 23 and Me test to your oldest living relatives first. Click here to register.
The Heart of Legacy Planning
This narrative, a testament to both the power of our legacies and the impermanence of time, underlines the importance of legacy planning. It's not merely about safeguarding material possessions or wealth; it's about capturing the very essence of who we are – our stories, our wisdom, and the beautiful mosaic of experiences that have shaped us.
Did you know that studies reveal individuals who engage in legacy planning, like drafting wills or documenting their life stories, tend to boast higher psychological well-being? It's like actively crafting your legacy can serve as the North Star guiding you toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.
The Ripple Effect of Interactions with Future Generations
But legacy goes beyond ink on paper. Consider the profound impact of our interactions with the generations yet to come. My grandfather's stories could've been a gift not just to me but to my children, their children, and the lineage stretching into the horizon. Positive interactions with the younger crowd often translate into higher life satisfaction and a profound sense of bequeathing a meaningful legacy. It's like throwing a pebble in a pond – the ripples keep expanding.
Narrative Identity and the Soul of Legacy
Psychology delves deep into how we construct our life stories and narratives. Those who paint their life experiences with strokes that emphasize their positive contributions to society and family tend to report a heightened sense of purpose and fulfillment. Our stories not only mold our individual identities but collectively shape the identity of our families and communities.
Generativity: Fueling the Legacy Flame
Remember Erik Erikson, the famed psychologist? He introduced the concept of "generativity," which speaks to our innate desire to establish and guide the next generation. Fascinatingly, research on generativity shows that individuals who score higher in this trait tend to experience greater life satisfaction and a potent sense of making a lasting impact.
Join Me on This Legacy-Crafting Odyssey
So, my fellow Legacy-Crafters, let's draw inspiration from my story, infused with the bittersweet flavor of regret. Together, we'll make sure that our stories, our wisdom, and our distinctive legacies don't fade into oblivion. Join me as we embark on this profound journey of legacy-making, impact-driven living, and the art of engraving your mark on the world.
Until next time, my purpose-driven legacy-leavers. Stay impactful, stay intentional. 💫
xoxo,
Kristy
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