Erickson’s Stages of Development suggest that during stage seven of life, which is typically experienced between 40 and 65 years old, is when individuals start to focus on their legacy (Cherry). This normally means that they gain interest in helping others through hardships and strive to leave a positive impact on those around them (Cherry). The idea of waiting until you are over forty years old is absurd to me, especially since we are not promised to wake up tomorrow.
Why should I think about my legacy now?
Facing our mortality as humans is a challenging subject for most but it in my eyes it is one of the most important concepts to understand. Understanding this taboo part of life can open the doors to a fulfilling, rewarding existence. Everyone has the epiphany about human mortality at different times. For me, it was when my step-sister, Heather, passed away unexpectedly. I was in Colorado while my family was in South Carolina so I was notified over the phone. When my mom called me to tell me the news, I responded “Heather who??” because there was no way in my mind it was my Heather. She never got to buy her first legal drink on her 21st birthday or walk down the aisle in a white dress on her wedding day. She was never able to experience some of life’s most beautiful moments because she was taken so early. Did you ever wonder if you were going to make it to your 21st birthday or if you were going to live long enough to get married? I surely did not wonder that before I started to contemplate my mortality. Expecting your 100 years is not a beneficial way to live because statistics say that you probably won’t make it that far. The reason why I bring up this tough truth is because honesty is vital when discussing how short life actually is. While there are countless lessons to be learned from mortality, one of them is that your legacy is essential.
What even is a legacy?
A legacy is what you leave behind when you pass away. Some view it as the money or the beautiful family property you pass down to children, as outlined in your will. On the other hand, I encourage you to think about the intangible aspects of your legacy. What will your kids and grandkids remember most about you? Will it be your laugh, selfless nature, bear hugs, passion for sports, or love for the Lord? Those intangible memories that are passed down through generations are what we should work for every single day. A lifetime of tiny decisions is what builds your legacy, brick by brick. Every hug, every gift, every prayer, every donation, every mission trip, every get-well-soon balloon will all slowly develop your legacy.
Most people are introduced to the idea that financial investments grow exponentially over time. Your investments consist of tiny contributions that are made throughout your life but the key is to start when you’re young. That same concept can be used to think about your legacy. Small decisions eventually add up to something powerful and meaningful but it is essential to start thinking about it early.
So what do I do now?
I urge you to think of five adjectives that you desperately want to embody your legacy.
- kind
- selfless
- loving
- giving
- talented
- courageous
- epic
- gallant
- grand
- gutsy
- fearless
- hilarious
- adaptable
- adventurous
- considerate
- ambitious
- affectionate
- diligent
- exuberant
- intuitive
- philosophical
- reliable
- sincere
- sympathetic
- witty
Once you decide on those five adjectives, think of daily decisions you can make to ensure that you represent them. For example:
- giving- I am going to write down the birthdays of all of my friends and family to make sure that I don’t forget to give them a gift each year.
That is a tangible, realistic goal to set for yourself. In fact, I do that myself to ensure that I remember to text or call friends/family for their birthdays. This is definitely an achievable goal!
Your legacy is an accumulation of the small decisions you make every day
As you go through your day, ponder if you are carrying yourself in a way that adds to your legacy. If not, think about what you can change but if so, practice some self love and pat yourself on the back. Normally there is not one defining moment in an individual’s life that demonstrates their true character. At times, if they do have a defining moment, it may not even represent what they were hoping for. So, carpe diem! Seize the day and be a person you are proud of. Develop that legacy one tiny decision at a time.
Thank you, Heather, for teaching me that it’s never too early to start thinking about my legacy.
XOXO,
Kay
Source: Cherry, Kendra. “Generativity vs. Stagnation in Psychosocial Development .” Very Well Mind, 16 Nov. 2018, www.verywellmind.com/generativity-versus-stagnation-2795734.
