Did your parents leave you a legacy to be lived in your generation? You may be thinking “No, not a thing” especially if divorce, remarriage, prolonged illness and medical expenses, or failure to adequately plan for long years of retirement affected their lifestyle. However, as I explained in “What legacy did you inherit?” there are other kinds of legacies.
A non-monetary legacy from your parents might be their example of
• Commitment
• Community service
• Dependability
• Education as a means to achieve your goals
• Encouragement
• Faith
• Financial responsibility
• Flexibility
• Giving back
• Hard work
• Love
• Patience
• Paying it forward
• Perseverance
• Placing high importance on family and relationships
• Positive attitude
• Providing for your family
• Work ethic that doesn’t make excuses
What can you do today so you and your children will feel proud of the answer when they are asked “What is your legacy from your parents?” Is there something you can pass on to your children and future generations?
Take some time to record your ideas. Be sure to preserve the memories, rituals, traditions, and values that matter to you and your family in stories you share and in a format (i.e. interview videos, DVDs, photos, journals) that can be retrieved by future generations. You have a significant legacy that goes far beyond material possessions and money.