Today would have been my grandmother’s 104th (I think) birthday. As I reflect on her life (what I can remember), I wonder what my legacy will be? Have you ever thought about yours?
During a recent study at church, I was hoping to discover my spiritual gifts, personal style and God-given passion for serving. I will admit, some of it was eye opening but it got me thinking about my past. Now for those of you who follow my blog, you know memories are in short supply as a result of the MS lesions but I try to reflect often in the hopes, the gaps will one day be filled.
What will be your legacy?
A legacy is “an amount of money or property left to someone in a will” but it is so much more. I remember hearing once it is not the dates on a tombstone but the dash in between which people will remember. On this Monday morning, I am wondering what my legacy will be and how it will be linked to my business. 
I want to make sure my business speaks to my passion. Does yours? I want to be sure “my dash” represents what matters most in my life, my passion.
When I am struggling in my business, reconnecting with my passion (or what I want my legacy to be) is a the easiest way to get back on track.
My degree is in Administration of Justice. Yup, I bet you didn’t see that one coming, right? I wanted to be a lawyer, actually a public defender so I could help those who couldn’t afford an attorney. I used it for a little bit when I worked for the Police Department and Security at the Claridge Casino many years ago. During recovery from my drug addiction, I found a new way to use my degree – in Social Work. It was the early days of HIV/AIDS so it was better known as “case management”. It was there I found my passion. My passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Not sure what your passion is, here are some tips from a recent blog post I read:
- Have kids? Ask them, “what does mommy/daddy do for work?” As you hear their answer, listen to your heart. Do you beam with pride if they guess it right? Or do you feel pangs of disappointment when they guess things like “go shopping” when you really sit at a desk all day. For years, I’m not sure Belinda understood the work I did BUT she did get to know some aspects – Easter baskets for kids, special events, helping deliver gifts at Christmas & turkeys at Thanksgiving.
- Once you have their answer, then ask what they think you should do for work. This could really be interesting.
Being in direct sales, I can pretty much guarantee when I am gone, my business will be gone. No one to carry on the “purse gig”. It wasn’t my intent to put a damper on your day! I didn’t want to make you sad or think about things you had no desire in thinking about right now, but sometimes things come our way for a reason unknown to us.
Have you been thinking about changing jobs, starting a business or just feel there’s something bigger out there for you? If so, know “life is short”. You are not promised today or tomorrow, so why not live big? Why not put yourself out there and do exactly what you were meant to do?
Talk to your kids and see if they know what you should be doing! I know it can be a little scary because you never know what they will come up. Of course, it could depend on their age. Put a plan in place to move towards your passion if you aren’t already living it.
When you sit back and look at your life, think about all of the lives you are touching. I’m sure it is more lives than you know (or think)!
What will be your legacy? Share it with us….
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 