Have you ever asked yourself, “What is it about my life that has been and is special and meaningful? What are my unique gifts and what am I passing on to my loved ones and others?” In our social and familial circles, the term legacy is often referred to as those special qualities within our hearts, minds and within our lives that are thought of and remembered by others, that are linked to us in characteristic ways. Here at Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness we are happy to help you explore these questions and discover creative ways to understand and portray your legacy!
So what exactly is legacy? Legacy is thought of as “that part of an individual that lives on through time.” It is also described as “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor, a predecessor or from the past” (https://www.merriam-webster/definition/legacy). It is also viewed as “the positive impact your life has on other people- friends, colleagues, even strangers. Your legacy is the sum of the personal values, accomplishments, and actions that resonate with the people around you.” (Perry E. Leaving a Legacy: How to make a lasting impression. BetterUp Aug 2, 2023).
Every one of us has a unique history and we all have attributes, such as the ability to listen, dance, sing, write, draw, or the ability to be innovative or to maintain inner strength during difficult times. Sometimes people are remembered for their resilience or their ability to smile and help others feel comforted and at ease. We all have a story to share and/or words of wisdom- all borne from our many life experiences. Legacy may also be thought of as a way to leave something behind and finding and making meaning in life.
As we think about legacy, we may be reminded about the presence of relics, heirlooms, documents, portraits, photos, letters, holiday traditions, recipes- and so much more- in our lives. All of these tangible and/ or intangible items in our lives may encapsulate stories from times ago and/or refresh our connections to those we love and cherish. In thinking about legacy, it is often helpful to look at the customs and traditions as well as the values by which we have been raised and live by. These reflections often serve as key cornerstones as we consider our own unique personal legacy.
Most importantly, as you think about your legacy, the most vital piece to hold in your heart is this: How do I want to be remembered and what special qualities about me can I share and pass on to my loved ones?
As I mentioned above, here at Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness, we would love to help you explore and process these thoughts and create special projects that can help you portray your special gifts and attributes. To start, here is a simple list of some ideas to create with/for your loved ones that can be cherished as legacy items for them from you:
1. Montage
Begin to compile a collection of photos, letters, descriptions of special moments (stories), songs linked to events and memorable moments, videos or audio recordings or even collections of recipes or self-made paintings or art projects. These selections can be gathered together, for example, in the format of a book, an album, or journals or a personalized treasure chest. The montage is meant to be a reflection of you, your life story and the contributions you are making in the world.
2. Words of Wisdom
Gather together favorite quotes, mottos, slogans, lyrics, faith-based quotes such as Bible verses, or your own words of wisdom that you wish to impart to others. Sometimes individuals accompany these words of wisdom by sharing brief stories that describe moments in their lives during which these words gave them inspiration and strength, especially helping them through a challenging time. Sometimes individuals audio or video record these words as special messages to loved ones. These words can be compiled onto an mp3 file (et.al) or into a book, a journal, or personalized letters to loved ones. Most importantly, these words of wisdom are meant to be reflections of you, your values and your most cherished areas of meaning- messages you desire to convey to your loved ones and to others.
2. Family Tree
Featuring you, create a family tree that traces your roots and highlights your connections to your ancestors. Some individuals also include brief descriptions regarding their loved ones; for example, mention the special accomplishments or gifts a loved one is remembered by. At the base or at the top of the tree, include a more detailed description of you, your own unique gifts, attributes, accomplishments and/or areas of gratitude.
These are some simple brief examples- all aiming to help us think about ways we can create our own personalized legacy. All thoughts, values, memories, life stories, areas of experience, our skills and areas of achievements- all help define who we are and how we each hold a unique place in this world. Time spent creating a legacy can be filled with meaning and ideas can emerge spontaneously. Most importantly, spend time affirming and nurturing yourself as you reflect on your own special talents and attributes, and remember: you are a gift.
