thoughts on the news of the day: legacy

hmmm…..

            Three post-octogenarians are listed in a major national newspaper today. Carlos Andres Perez was the former President of Venezuela and he died at 88; Karen Tuttle was a violist and teacher who died at 90; and Bud Greenspan who filmed many Olympic champions in documentaries died at 84.  They will each be remembered by family and friends in addition to being acknowledged nationally.

            What will your legacy be?  If you live to be 80+ will anything of note be recorded upon your passing?  Lots of folks have asked this question in lots of ways.  Some even go as far as to recommend writing your own obituary to acknowledge the events of your life. 

            It might be fun here at the end of the decade to make a wish list of what you hope will be your lifetime achievements. If you could accomplish anything during your lifetime, what would it be?  I imagine all of us would say something like “world peace”.  But beyond that, would you want to be identified as a successful and loving parent?  Would you list your church or volunteer work?  Would you want your education accomplishments to be stated?

            Would you say how much money you made in your lifetime? It’s a funny question to ask, but isn’t that what we focus so much of our time and energy on – our ability to earn income?  Then, again,  you never hear someone say, “I wish I had spent more time at the office” at the end of their life.

            Today make a list of what you wish to accomplish next year – and then, get on with it!

            hmmm…..