The Power of Y.O.U. and Creating Your Legacy with Purpose 

One way to create your legacy with purpose is to imagine your life living backwards. Develop your own personal vision of a life well lived.  Living a life with purpose and meaning requires focus and creating intention in all that you do. Your purpose reflects your “reason for being” and the impact you have on others each and every day. Your legacy is the natural consequence of pursuing your purpose and what you leave behind for generations to come long after you are gone. 

I found my purpose early in life as a result of a life changing traumatic event at 12 years of age.  

Last month my beloved mom of almost 96 years of age passed away. I had written her eulogy in my mind several times over the last five years. When the moment came to actually sit down to write it, I labored over trying to find the perfect words to describe what made my mom so special and unique, the impact she had on my life and the legacy she would leave. One thing I knew for sure was that her eulogy would be a “celebration of her life”! That’s exactly what my mom would’ve wanted. Along with making fabulous parties bringing everyone together for joyful memories, she was often the life of the party as well. 

My mom was one of a kind – she had that inexplicable “joie de vivre” and turned heads wherever she went with her great sense of style and sparkle. She uplifted others with her quick wit and positivity that created endless laughter.  Everyone was attracted to her magnetic energy that inspired others to look and feel their best. In the age of social media, my mom would’ve been a major influencer with thousands of followers. There are many other facets of my mom which have created the legacy she’s left with her imprint. Below are a just a few highlights: 

1. The glass is always half full. Strive to be optimistic and find the silver lining in every situation. 
2. Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone. Avoid suffering.
3. Maintain your dignity and self worth. Show determination, courage and resilience in the face of adversity. 
4. Love is unlimited in it’s supply. It never runs out. 

In my coaching work with clients, I have guided them to collect information from others about the impact they have on them and we define their life purpose in a one line statement. 

Here’s a few examples: 

My purpose is “to inject a sense of wonder and infectious enthusiasm for others to stay curious”.

My purpose is to “serve as the voice of reason while enabling others to see things from a new perspective”. 

My purpose is to “inspire and uplift others through creative expression.”

My purpose is to “be a catalyst for positive social change and motivate others to do the same.” 

So what about you? How do you want to be remembered? Decide who you want to become more of each and every day and live from that sense of purpose as this is the essence of who you are. 

In thinking about ways to create your legacy, you can take these actions to start building it: 

1. Think about how you want to leave a person feeling after interacting with you. What will you pass on that they will remember you by? 
2. Collect items that have sentimental value and meaning for you and leave them as gifts for your family members and/or special friends as memories. Write down what they symbolize for you. 
3. Create a log of family history, traditions, stories, recipes and memories for future generations to share. 
4. Contribute to and/or take on a leadership role with an organization that has a mission that matters to you.