A Passionate Life ~ Leaving a Legacy

What is it that breathes excitement into you? Whenever you engage in an activity, is there something that grabs you and compels you to do more? What do you feel passionate about?

Life is for the living, as the saying goes. We have many choices to make between the cradle and the grave. What we do, our values and actions, stays in the hearts and minds of those we leave behind. Will we chose to live a life of purpose, touching those around us with impact? What will we do to leave a legacy that will inspire and encourage our loved ones?

Since I’ve become a grandma, this matters even more to me. I look into my little grandson’s eyes and see the innocent trust and impressionable mind just waiting to absorb values illustrated by those around him. Will he remember his grandma as a woman of purpose who lived her life with passion? What morales and values will I leave as a testimony of who I am, who I was? I realize that although my life is my own, he will be watching me. He has his eye on grandma.

I had recently decided to take a flight to Venice, Italy and meet up with four friends I had only become acquainted with on Twitter. Because we shared the same passion for Italy, our conversation flowed easily. It was an amazing experience that formed memories I will never forget. In fact, I have kept a blog about Italy for 4 years now and my memoirs are all written down with many of my photos (Timeless Italy).

I know what you might be thinking. “I can’t afford a trip like that,” or “does the impact I make need to involve something like this?” Absolutely not. Leaving a lasting legacy is about living a life of courage and fortitude. What we do with our lives doesn’t go away. It stays, absorbed and adopted by others after we are gone. Travel, adventure, living each day with purpose, stretching ourselves to take a bold step, and outreach are all parts of a lasting legacy. Will we leave the world a better place?

So whether you choose to run sled dogs in the Iditarod, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, or write an amazing book of memoirs, find your gifts, passions, and abilities and create a life worth living. It could be simply creating and faithfully maintaining a beautiful garden, feeding the homeless, or walking for cancer. Whatever you choose to do, do it with all your might. Spin your silver web of memories. One that will leave a lasting impact on our loved ones. Little eyes are watching us.

Someone once said, “Our children (grandchildren) are messengers we send to a time we will not see.” Our challenge as grandmothers is to gain a vision and direction in life. Let us care more about leaving values rather than valuables behind. Our character, zest for life and kindness is what others will remember about us. Let’s stand up for our grandchildren and leave behind us an inspiring legacy. Like a candle flame, may it help to light their way through a dark and challenging world.

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”  Shannon L. Alder