The True Meaning of Legacy

What is legacy? Is it leaving something for people? Or is it leaving something in people? How would you answer?

In a recent episode, we featured Castillo De San Marcos, a historical monument that was built in the late 1500s under Spanish command in St. Augustine, Florida. It is the oldest masonry fortress, older than Plymouth Rock, older than  North America itself. However, rhetorically, would you know who built this historical testament of endurance?

Many of us think of a legacy in terms of material  possessions like the bequeath of a sprawling mansion, a large savings account, a vacations home in a coveted climate in the Caribbean , the list can go on ad infinitum. But when I think of Castillo De San Marcos, if it were not the ongoing maintenance of this castle, it would not have endured all these centuries. And to get back to the question as to who built this fortification, the names are of record, however, their names have fallen into obscurity.

​My argument in this blog is that to leave something (in people) would have the most  impact, the longest impression, it can be a much powerful legacy than anything tangible we may leave behind, you will be remembered. People come and go, but memories that make a lasting difference in our own life are stronger than time and are not diminished by the exposure of external threats.

When a person is born, there are two or three presents to welcome this infant into this world. But have you noticed? Upon a person's demise, there are two or three hundred or more to express their respectful condolences, to reminisce on the impact left behind while consoling  the surviving members of the decease. A legacy is a mutual experience that is shared and from where I sit, from my perch, this is the true meaning of legacy.

A legacy is not a mere project, and it does not occur overnight. However, if we reach deep inside and find our true purpose, we can create our legacy with dedication, consistent work and with meaningful contribution, we all can build an indelible mark that will forever be remembered and celebrated. However, some may contend that their physical vitality is not what it used to be, but my rebuttal to that view is that our spiritual vitality can unequivocally be nourished and made anew.

First, how would you define your own personal  legacy?

For starters, the key is to comprehend why we are leaving a legacy behind and what it personally means to us.

At this moment, I remember what Pablo Picasso was known to have said. He said that the true meaning of life is to find your (gift), and the purpose of life is to give it away.

That said, what is your priority? What are your core values and core beliefs? Right now, how would we want our life to impact others? What would make you delighted, and proud? What would your contribution be to improve the world around you?

The answer to these rhetorical important questions will get you on the right track to develop a meaningful perspective that goes beyond anything tangible such as financial wealth, and materialism that is subject to deterioration by  the natural elements. Our words and what we do  will become the masonry blocks of your legacy. Share these words and deeds to benefit others, write down your legacy with clarity, and live them every day of your life.

Understanding what is of paramount to us, understanding what compels us, and how you want others to remember you creates tremendous mental clarity in how we should carry ourselves in life. After the song is over, and after the music stops determines the ripple effect, we had on those dear to us.

It is not complicated, begin by identifying your strength, find your courage, isolate it by putting your finger on what  drives you. We all have role titles, the gender we are, the title given to you by your employer, and at the same time, we are a son or daughter, a daddy or mama, husband, wife, granddad, or grandma and some you can think of on your own. but do not just focus on your titles but give thought to your core strengths instead. Your strength is your fortification, the walls of your own castle, and when you build on your strengths, all these other titles are fortified and not mere titular or in name only.

Speaking of strength, did you know that the walls of Castillo De San Marcos were made From Seashells? Who would have thought that a fortress made of seashells would last for hundreds of years? Who would have thought that a fortress made from seashells would survive under cannon fire for so many years? The Spanish call its Coquina, meaning seashells, these shells became solidified over thousands of years, layer over layer much like limestone making it impervious from cannon bombardment, and your inner strength can be just as solid regardless of whatever this world throws at you.

Are we still stuck in a rut? Consult your family members and your genuine friends for a bit of insight, use them as a sounding board. Ask yourself, which strengths am I known for? Often, the proverbial, too close to the forest to see the trees may apply in our case, where others can see our assets much better and can be forthright in providing advisement. It is a matter of synchronizing our heart with our head, however, sad to say, some withhold their love and allow their love to become the pain they carry. Our legacy should be predicated on love and not begrudgingly given, it should not be a burden or a chore.

On my show, I have interviewed several guests that have written and published their personal memoir or legacy, denoting their courage, their resilience, and their personal triumphs. With that in mind, I wonder if we can write our memoir in just one simple sentence. It would seem to me, it would provide optimal focus, weeding out the extraneous, the unnecessary, and fine tuning on what is not negotiable  to accomplish our legacy in life. And once we have clarified our life's mission, it can only be energizing! Meditate on a few words that can and will  define the foot impression or imprint you want to leave behind as a remembrance.

Indisputably, the most invaluable commodity that we all share is time. Unfortunately, we do not have all the time in the world to create something of extraordinary importance, 10-20 years goes by suddenly without notice. Therefore, live and breathe your legacy every day, and use your time sagaciously.

Did you know how you live each day is mor important than your accomplishments? It is no coincidence that the word gratitude rhymes with attitude, thus, your attitudes in all we say and do will create our unforgettable history. If you wake up each day before clambering out of bed with gratitude, with enthusiasm, you will attain fulfillment in life and leave a wonderful inheritance. What will be remembered is how you made others feel, surpassing whatever you said or did. So, make certain to live each granted day in a manner that is effective, with kindness, with compassion, and immense pleasure. Then your legacy will be contagious, it will inspire, it will motivate others and you will be loved for it.

In fact, love is a profound human emotion unmatched by any other emotional experience, never ignore it. It can provide us strength to endure difficult moments, it can comfort us when we feel somber, and in moments of mourning. And guess what? Love can be given freely, it does not cost us, so be generous in sharing it.

When we show endearment and responsibility to family, friends and to whoever we interact with, we help to generate solid Coquina in all relationships. When we demonstrate sincere affection and enthusiasm in all aspects of life, it only follows that we will promote positivity and productivity, and again, you will be loved for it. What a beautiful legacy that is!

Our name will not fall to the wayside, will not be obscured by the passage of time but we will be remembered by the unwavering gift of ourselves to others.