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A person’s legacy comes in many forms,
It can be separated into tangible and intangible terms.
The tangible includes all the physical items such as a family business, accomplishments, estates, physical assets, money, jewelry, art, and securities.
The intangible includes all the wisdom, values, friendships, memories, faith, ethics, cultural heritage, character, reputation, causes and interests, life lessons, stories, talents, kindness, respect, and empathy.
Sure tangibles provide your family and children with financial wealth,
Intangibles however, will fill that emptiness and allow them to be close to you even after death.
When deciding the legacy you want to leave behind,
It's really important to keep in mind,
You have way more to offer throughout your lifetime,
Rather than just the material things that can be discarded or sold over time.
Inspired by a request from my son who asked me to fill in the pages of a book, titled “Mom, I want to hear your story” for his 28th birthday present. Of course, I am a writer so I probably added more than most. After reading it, he told me, “It was the BEST birthday present I ever received.” I have spent quite a bit of money over the years on gifts, but the one I spent the most time on, meant the most to him. He also commented, “I will cherish this book my whole life, and can’t wait to share it one day with my kids.”
For me, my legacy is that of positivity and kindness for all who cross my path.
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A few years before she died at 95, my mother wrote, My Story, for my brothers, my sister and me. Although it was quite short, it revealed a lot of things about her early life that she never told us before, like when she met our father at 14 and fell in love. I only wish she had written more
But as the first in our extended family to go to college and travel the world, free from the drudgery of just working for a living, I leave a legacy in my autobiography and a book of memoirs. Hopefully, my attitude, kindness to others and good fortune will shine through future generations. Not just for my family, but for others who might pick up the books and read.
Ron