I often hear people talk about “leaving a legacy.” And I believe they mean what important accomplishment of theirs will stand the test of time. In other words, they want to identify what individual success they will be remembered for long after they’re gone.
The word didn’t start out with that meaning. The legal meaning is property or money bequeathed to someone in a will. Another meaning is that of heritage which is defined on Wiktionary as “a tradition; a practice or set of values that is passed down from preceding generations through families or through institutional memory. ” And in university-speak, legacy means a person who is the descendant of an alumnus.
I’m surprised that the more contemporary definition of individual legacy hasn’t been officially accepted since it’s so widely used.
Oprah Winfrey tells the story of the time she was reprimanded by her long-time friend and mentor Maya Angelou. Oprah was over-the-top ecstatic about having established a girls’ school in South Africa. She was enthusiastically sharing the details with Maya and concluded with, “This school will be my greatest legacy.”
But Oprah said that Maya stopped her right there and said: You have no idea what your legacy will be. Because your legacy is every life you touch. It’s not one thing; it’s everything.
When we are feeling less than (and I believe we each go through times like that), we need to remember Maya Angelou’s words. We may not be rich or famous or have a world-class education or run international companies, but my gosh, think for just a moment. Really, I want you to think about the lives you yourself have touched with kindness or encouragement or gratitude or generosity or any of the dozens of other positive traits that exist.
Trust me on this: Your legacy will be absolutely amazing.
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This is a WOW!
Just yesterday, Greg’s birthday, we had guest for our dinner celebration. The conversation turned to our parents. We didn’t have much, but never went without, growing up. There was always plenty of unconditional love. I want to share with you and your readers a portion of my fathers hand written
“A Jewish Ethical Will”. :
“I hope that I have helped to give and instill in you many things such as Love, Compassion, Character, Morality, Inner Strength, Honesty, Integrity, Truthfulness, Courage, a healthy Ambition for Work, and a reverent Belief for GOD.
I have had many GODly blessings during my life and the greatest blessings of all are you, my children.
GOD bless you all with good health and happiness…………………..Love, Dad”
Oh I love this, Judy, and indeed you have all of those qualities to the max! Thanks so much for sharing. And I meant to tell you — with Greg and Andrew having birthdays a day apart, Richard’s birthday is October 5 and Tim’s is October 6…so we have that in common also.
This is beautiful and a great tribute to Father’s Day
as well. Thank you !
I truly feel “lifted up” after reading this. Thank you Norma. Your blog is very thought provoking, interesting, and inspiring all at once. Your legacy is your blog that touches so many
Jen, thank you so much for being a first-time contributor. I have been considering dropping the blog when I close my public speaking business later this year, but several people, like you, have just recently told me in person or via email how much the blog means to them. So I’m still thinking about what to do. Really, thanks for letting me know.