The word ‘legacy’ comes from the Latin verb, legare, which means: “to appoint by a last will, send as an ambassador.”
A legacy is handed down from one generation to the next. Legacies don’t need to be something material, like an heirloom; it can be a memory, like leaving behind a legacy of honesty.
Peter Strople said that a legacy isn’t leaving something for people, it’s leaving something in people. We should all aim to leave a positive and inspiring legacy for the generations that come after us. We don’t need to be famous and have the whole world know about what we’ve done, we just need to make an impact on those closest to us and be remembered for the good things we have done.
Shannon L. Alder said, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
Life is too short to spend it drowning in bitterness and regret; we need to see the silver linings in bad situations and try and spread light. Benjamin Franklin once said that to be remembered we need to either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about. No matter what the situation, we need to do something with meaning. We don’t need to cure cancer or save the world, but if we help people and spread joy, then we are leaving a legacy.
We need to be true to the best parts of ourselves and share those great parts with other people. We need to try not to spend our lives ‘being’ and rather spend our lives ‘doing.’ Smile at a stranger, show your gratitude to those who help, show your dedication and determination at work, show your loved ones their value; leave a legacy of positivity and honesty.
Kat Graham said, “You make your mark by being true to who you are and letting that be your staple.”
