Crafting Purpose to build a Legacy
I was at a 70th birthday party yesterday as a dear friend and her husband had a joint celebration of this amazing milestone. They were surrounded by friends, biological and non-biological families and loved ones. Guests travelled in from Nigeria, Florida, Cameroun, Australia and from across the United Kingdom. Everyone had stories to tell about their mentoring, kindness, generosity and how they cared for and made everyone they came across welcome into their home and lives.
One of the first things I found out from my friend was how much she loves children and how she can’t be expected to be rational when it comes to her children. She made a decision to be a stay at home mum laying her personal ambition down when she discovered their nanny didn’t look after her children the way she had hoped.
Her love for children extended to other people and their children. The couple acquired many adopted families over many decades with all their children considering them as grand parents.
I was reminded of the essence of legacy—a concept that transcends time and extends far beyond our individual journeys. Building a legacy is not merely about the material wealth we leave behind; it’s about the imprint we make on the world, the stories that are told about us, and the impact we have on future generations.
So let’s look at the power and importance of legacy.
The Power of Legacy
Eternal Impact
A legacy is the ripple effect of our actions, echoing through the corridors of time. It’s the idea that our influence, whether small or big, can leave an indelible mark on others and the world. Our existence is not confined to the present; it extends into the future.
Inspirational Beacon
A well-crafted legacy becomes a beacon of inspiration for others. When we live with love and purpose, showing kindness, resilience, and a commitment to positive change, we set an example that ignites the flames of purpose in those who come after us. A purposeful legacy is a gift that keeps on giving, inspiring generations to follow suit.
Catalyst for Change
Purposeful legacies are not static; they are dynamic forces that spark transformative change. By aligning our actions with our values, we contribute to a world that reflects the change we wish to see. It’s a call to be architects of a future where compassion, integrity, and purpose reign supreme.
The Importance of Legacy
Preserving Values
Building a legacy allows us to encapsulate our core values and pass them down to future generations. Our values are the guiding principles that shape our legacy. Whether it’s kindness, justice, or innovation, our values endure through the legacy we leave behind.
My friend’s value includes compassion, kindness, generosity and encouragement. She is someone who will help me lay down any self-doubt after a conversation and remind me to believe in and be proud of myself.
Fostering Connection
Legacy is a bridge that connects generations. It weaves a narrative of continuity, reminding us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. We must understand the importance of fostering connections that transcend time, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Nurturing Relationships
Legacy is not a solitary endeavour; it’s nurtured through the relationships we cultivate. Purposeful legacies are built on foundations of love, empathy, and meaningful connections. By prioritising relationships and leaving a legacy of compassion, we contribute to a world where human connection is cherished.
To purposefully craft your legacy, you must:
Define Your Values
Reflect on your core values. What principles guide your decisions and actions? A purposeful legacy starts with a clear understanding of your values, allowing you to live a life that creates the narrative that aligns with your authentic self.
Live with Intention
We must learn to live with intentionality. Every action, every decision is a brushstroke on the canvas of your legacy. Be intentional about the impact you want to have, and let purpose guide your journey.
Invest in Others
My friend’s impact started with children and continues with children who have become grown-ups and are now having their own children. Today, her impact is becoming generational.
A purposeful legacy is not self-centred; it’s a legacy of service. Invest in others, mentor, uplift, and contribute to the well-being of your community. The power of your legacy lies in the positive influence you have on those around you.
Building a legacy is not reserved for the extraordinary; it is the birth-right of every individual committed to living with purpose. As we navigate our unique journeys, let’s be mindful of the legacy we are crafting—a legacy that echoes with purpose, compassion, and positive change.
My friend and her husband have made a massive difference not just in the lives of their biological children but in the lives of many others within their faith and local communities; I join all others to wish them many more decades filled with every good thing because all they will continue to be is a conduit passing the goodness to others, building the breaches and impacting generations to come.
This post is dedicated to Dr Sam and Mrs Adega Ajulo, two amazing and well loved people who have built a life, marriage and family worth celebrating and a legacy that will outlive them. Today, their story is worth telling and will continue to be told for generations.
Thanks for reading and sharing my post, I hope you will take a moment to ponder your story.
