How do you want to be remembered?
Leaving a valuable legacy is more than writing a generous will. Here’s how you can use a ‘legacy mindset’ to enrich your life today.
In the daily hustle of making ends meet, worrying about finances, family and friends, attending medical appointments, and socialising, it’s easy to forget the bigger picture: how do we want our family and friends to remember us?
For many of us, it’s for having character and living out the best values. In short: making a difference!
It’s about leaving a legacy, not just for the future when you are long gone, but now while you are still alive.
As Lisa Marchiano, a psychotherapist in Philadelphia told The Washington Post,
Knowing your values and passions are the key. But how do you create a legacy that reflects these? The good news is we can all do it; it’s not reserved for saints and the exceptional few.
The even better news is that as a National Seniors Australia member, you are already building your legacy and making a positive impact on the world.
Our goal at National Seniors is to pass on a better world to our children and grandchildren.
Thank you for supporting our advocacy campaigns – helping older people lead richer and happier lives, now and in the future.
It requires self-reflection, goal-setting, continuous growth, and a commitment to making a positive difference.
What truly matters to you? What are the principles and beliefs that guide your life?
Once you identify these core values, envision the legacy you want to leave behind. Picture the impact you want to make on the lives of others and the world around you. Feel good about that.
Break down your long-term aspirations into smaller, achievable steps. Take time out of your daily routine and remember it’s not a race.
Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:
Start a collection of recipes of favourite family dishes to pass on to the next generation.
Mentor a young person.
Leave your life lessons in story form. Write your family or personal history or create scrapbooks and photo albums. If you are tech-savvy, you could create a playlist of your favourite songs or make a video to post on social media.
Spend time with younger generations, telling stories, passing down family wisdom, or simply playing card or board games.
If you’re passionate about community, establish a philanthropic legacy through donations, endowments, or active involvement in community projects.
Whatever you do, don’t put it off. Life has a way of just happening without regard for our plans and dreams.
Further reading: The Washington Post
