We lost a shining star last last week, and I lost a client and a very special person. A personal training client I had worked with since 1999 lost her battle with congestive heart disease, caused by radiation for cancer many years ago.
But she left an incredible legacy and stands as a shining example of what a difference we all can make in the lives of others. After she retired from her own business, she consulted for an international company, traveling the world, even as her health deteriorated to where she could not travel alone, or without oxygen. She even became the president of her national professional organization, and was recently awarded Alumni of the Year from her medical school she attended so many years earlier. Yet she felt it was improper to feel pride. And she was always striving to do more and have a purpose, even as her activity decreased. Her purpose was to serve and make a difference for those coming behind her. Yea, she left a legacy that she’ll never really realize.
What will YOUR legacy be? What are you creating right now? Is it by chance, or are you clear what footprint you wish to leave on this earth?
There comes a time in all of our lives where we wonder what is next for us. Some people stress a great deal over it, in fact. I know, because I work with many people who are making huge changes in their lives/futures. Sure, it’s scary and represents great uncertainty, but it can also be viewed as an AMAZING time! What other creatures can change the focus and direction of their lives?
If you can’t answer my initial question, here are some questions to help walk you through coming closer to the answer:
1.What do you value most in life? It might be independence, it might be power, it might be service.
2. Where does your greatest passion lie? Stop and consider what conversations light you up. There is a consistency to it, even if you’re not aware of what that is. When I ask clients this question the first time, often they don’t know. But in conversation I am able to point this out, usually quite easily. I’m sure others notice it, too.
3. Imagine the end of your life and you are sitting on the porch, talking about what you have accomplished. Draft that conversation and focus on just one thing you would like to highlight.
There you go! My client was extremely accomplished, but she was so because she felt it important to serve her profession and help others succeed. None of her accomplishments were for her own satisfaction; it was just who she was and knew this was her destiny. I’m thrilled that she received many acknowledgements for her accomplishments before the end of her life.
We all should be so lucky as to listen to our heart and live our destiny. But I don’t think it’s by chance. We must forge our path and be fearless in following it.
What is YOUR legacy?
Margie
