By
Steve Brunkhorst
http://www.AchieveEzine.com
A
legacy is more than a gift that lives on after you. Certainly, a legacy is a
contribution to humanity. A legacy provides value to future generations.
However, if you are creating your ideal legacy, it will also make your heart
bubble with passion and excitement today!
Louisa
Alcott wrote:
"When
Emerson's library was burning at Concord, I went to him as he stood with the firelight
on his strong, sweet face, and endeavored to express my sympathy for the loss
of his most valued possessions, but he answered cheerily, 'Never mind, Louisa,
see what a beautiful blaze they make! We will enjoy that now.' The lesson was
one never forgotten and in the varied lessons that have come to me I have
learned to look for something beautiful and bright."
Emerson
left future generations with a philosophy of creativity, spiritual development,
and individualism. He saw value and quality in each moment of life. His
writings continue to share the message that people have the mental and
spiritual capacities to achieve their dreams. He lived a philosophy that
continues to benefit humanity.
The
building blocks of your legacy are the ideas and philosophies that you live and
value. Your contributions will provide something beautiful and bright to
cherish during this lifetime. They will increase your sense of aliveness and
fill you with the energy of a unique purpose for which you were born. They make
up the quality of your life now.
How
can you begin creating and living your ideal legacy today?
1.
Decide What You Value the Most
Write
down all the things that you value, and select at least five core values: those
things that provide the foundation for your actions, beliefs, and philosophies.
Examples of values are love, health, spirituality, family, career, adventure,
peace, and community.
2.
Draw a Time Line of Your Life
Draw
a long line and mark it by years and months beginning with your birthday. Extend
it for decades after your life will have ended. Include all the things you have
done and things you want to do. Include the benefits future generations will
experience from your contributions. Show how your life's work will actually
continue after you. Your timeline is a very eye opening exercise. Spend
adequate time with it and fill in as many details as possible. Then return from
time to time to update your timeline and add extra details.
3.
Write a Purpose Statement
Notice
the themes running through your timeline. They can help to reveal your purpose
if you are not already aware of it. A purpose statement is a simple, private
statement that guides your daily actions. For example, you might write, "I
help others to live happy and healthy lives" or "I create art that
brings spiritual awareness." Do not confuse a purpose statement with a
mission statement, which is a more specific way you might fulfill your purpose.
4.
Focus on Today
Your
timeline presented a large picture. What is your focus just for today? Spend
sufficient time focusing on your current steps as well as on the future. How
are your actions in each moment supporting your values and contributing to your
purpose? If you are on purpose, you will feel authentically happy and fulfilled.
5.
Move Forward with Gratitude
Live
your ideal legacy by taking positive steps each day toward your vision for a
better world. Savor the small treasures in your relationships with people. Live
with gratitude for each contribution you have received and created. Give thanks
even for the setbacks that ultimately reveal clearer paths forward.
Evangelist,
Billy Graham said, "The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions,
but in the quality of our lives." What legacy does the quality of your
life reveal today? Envision your ideal legacy. See your role in creating a
richer humanity. The legacy you share and live today can create a better world
for future generations.
©
Copyright 2004 by Steve Brunkhorst. Learn more about defining your core values and discovering
your unique life purpose. Contact Steve through his website at
http://www.achieveezine.com/contact/.
Get Steve's motivational inspirational ezine, Achieve!
60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, by visiting
http://www.AchieveEzine.com
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