It’s a Sunday evening. We’ve had a lovely weekend, spending lots of time as a family. I’ve also spent a lot of worrying about my legacy. Because that’s what I do when things feel somewhat perfect, I worry about what will make it all go horribly wrong. I’ve seen too many people snatched away before their time. Even if they have had long, eventful lives, I’m sure to those who have been left behind, it all seems too soon. So now I worry, I worry that I’ve not put things in place to make sure my family are looked after if I were to get hit by a bus on the way to work tomorrow. I worry that my life won’t have had much of an impact and I’ve not done enough with my time on earth.
Do you have the same kinds of thoughts or am I overly worrisome? I really should have a life insurance policy in place. I mean, I have two children who will need to be cared for should the worst happen. It’s pretty irresponsible of me not to. But when I’m still pretty much-living hand to mouth month to month, it feels like a luxury to be spending money on a pretty big ‘what if’ which I guess all insurance is, but this one feels even more so. I think now I’m writing about it though, I’ve tempted fate and will sort out my policy this week.
But on to legacy. What does your legacy look like? What do you want it to look like if you’re not there yet? I don’t think its cocky or assumptuous to have goals and plans where this is involved. I’d love to leave a financial legacy for my children, and their children, maybe their children’s children too. But more than that, I’d also like to leave a social legacy. Something that helps people far and wide, though the how is what I haven’t figured out quite yet. I spent a year teaching in a university in China over ten years ago now. I remember feeling that teaching left a legacy with those you taught. That wisdom you imparted would stick with them in such a way that it would creep into their every day lives without them even remembering who taught that phrase to them. I like that!
Perhaps I’ll write a book and it’ll be used as part of a school curriculum. Or my blog will end up being studied by Martians. Or I’ll open a food bank or free reading scheme. I’m not sure yet, but I intend to leave a legacy that helps others for generations to come.
See, this is where my mind takes me when I have a good day. I did enjoy my weekend. I didn’t spend it all worrying about death and legacies, I promise. But I felt so thankful for all the niceness around me. We were living in the moment and enjoying our time as a family of four. It made me so grateful for all that I have and worried for what I would or wouldn’t leave behind.
What would your legacy be? What are you doing to help shape it?
I’m glad I am not the only one who loses time thinking about this kind of thing! In answer to your question: I’m working towards creating something I can leave behind and be proud of that represents me, at the moment that’s my blog which I enjoy writing for. 🙂
Thanks for your comment Charlotte. I think that’s a lovely legacy to leave xx