This passed weekend I attended the 75th birthday celebration of a family friend and was unexpectedly inspired by her life story. I’ve known her all my life and have been well aware of her accomplishments. But as I watched the slide show of her life through the years, and listened to the many people who spoke of her influence on their lives, I became overwhelmed with inspiration.
I felt honored to be in that space, celebrating such an amazing woman. I knew she was great, but until that night, I didn’t know the extent of her greatness. She has become a master educator and trainer, she spends countless months on missions trips to Africa, and she is vibrantly healthy at her age and in better shape than I am.
She’s an excellent example of a woman who has lived a full life. I thought it was so special that she was able to sit there and hear how much of an influence she’s had on the many people she’s touched in her life. Usually things like that aren’t shared until people are dead, which gives her a great advantage.
All of this got me to thinking about how I too want to be a master of my gifts, talents and passions. I too want to make a huge difference in the people that I touch. I too want to be healthy and happy well into my old age and have experienced a wonderfully full and rewarding life. It made me realize how grateful I am to be on my desired path and constantly taking steps toward my ideal life.
Steps like this blog… This blog has given me purpose. Before it, my biggest goal in life was to buy a condo. (Go ahead, you can laugh. I almost did after writing that. lol) But as I began to do some soul searching and committed to practicing the principles I believed would make my life better, newness began to emerge and I started to become a different person. Starting this blog helped me to not only express the new person I was becoming, but it helps me to continue to grow into the person I was meant to be.
I truly believe that the principles I share here will add value and quality to people’s lives. Taking the bold step to share my personal message on the world wide web was terrifying, but necessary to spread it as far as possible to have a positive impact on the world. Even if my words only reach a few, it is my hope that those are the exact people who need it. And to top it all off, I continue to grow and evolve as a result of my sharing, so the rewards continue to be worth it.
As I constantly grow, do more with my life, reach higher, build the business of my dreams, and experience the new and wonderful things life has to offer, I’m glad I’m finally doing something worth leaving behind. I wasn’t always on this path, but thank God for putting events and circumstances in my way to alter my direction.
And so I ask you… What legacy are you leaving behind and what inspires you to do so? Are you going through each day with a mundane routine, expecting the same out of the next? Or are you reaching for your dreams and living an adventure in the process, so when the time comes you can not only have great stories to tell your grandkids, but they and the rest of the world will be able to benefit from the fruits of your life? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Peace, Love & Legacy,
~Alexis~
Great post! Very inspiring!
my son inspired me to think more about leaving a legacy. once he was born i had a renewed purpose. i am more determined now to be an example for him of what he can be. my husband and i strive to go after our dreams everyday so that he’ll go after his as well.
All I can say is, “Wow!”
This is my first visit to your site and I am impressed with the strength of your writing and the POWER of this post. I hope to leave a legacy as well. I’ve learned that the quest is easier said then done. Again, great post. Thanks for sharing!
Cam, that’s beautiful. I love that your son inspires you.
Jermaine, thank you! I really appreciate your kind words. And more power to you for leaving your legacy.
Hi Alexis, great article and great insights. I had the opportunity to volunteer in a retirement village a few years ago, playing guitar and singing some old time favourites! While it seemed I was giving of my time, really I was getting so much back. The perspective I received from those in their twilight years really impacted my present. A great mantra that I heard was you rarely regret from trying, but often regret for not. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Corri, that sounds like a truly rewarding experience and I love that it affects your present day. And such a great mantra, it’s so true.
I love your blog! I think there is a Master Plan for each of us and when we’re fortunate enough to discover our passion–whatever it is–that is usually part of that Master Plan. Now that I’m up there in age with your friend, I think frequently about my legacy and how I want people to remember me. Great blog and I’ll be back!
Thanks Sandra! I totally agree about the Master Plan. I am always inspired by people who find their passion. I think it’s possible for everyone if they just paid close enough attention to themselves.
Hi Alexis,
Left you another message on another post, but, wanted to say you are definitely on a journey to “becoming!” Feel free to touch basis with me @ http://authentic-woamn.net and continue to shine your light!
Clara.
Thanks Clara!
The power of reflection and living a life with positive values is inspiring. Sharing your thoughts only makes such lives even more worthwhile. I was reminded of a quote by Mark Twain – “Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.”
Thank you Leanne. Great quote.