Life is busy, and as we rush about in our everyday existence many of us don’t take the opportunity to stop and reflect, to think about what our end game will be, how we would like to be remembered and what our legacy will be. Every day you have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of others, which can result in leaving a beautiful legacy. Let’s look at some of these.
Don’t underestimate the small acts
You may be making a difference every day – whether you’re still working, volunteering or helping your friends and family.
Often these little acts of kindness and encouragement make a big difference to those on the receiving end. It might instil in them the confidence and self-belief they may be lacking. Your actions really do have the ability to change people’s lives for the better.
Thinking big
I have long admired the wonderful work of Orange Sky Australia, created in a Brisbane garage by two twenty something entrepreneurs wanting to make a difference. They equipped a van with some washing machines and dryers, and drove to parks in Brisbane allowing those doing it tough to wash and dry their clothes for free.
Today, Orange Sky operates in 36 locations across Australia and provides a safe space for people to connect through their regular laundry and shower service and the many volunteers each week who provide an empathetic ear and conversation to those in need.
These two visionaries have had a profound impact on the lives of many and have already created a beautiful legacy.
Make sure your family are taken care of
For most of us, our family is our most precious asset. It is therefore imperative that you ensure they are taken care of if something happens to you. Take time out to put in place your will and estate planning documents, and if you already have these documents in place, take the time to review them to make sure they reflect your wishes.
If you don’t have these documents in place it can lead to an inordinate amount of stress and heartache when you are no longer here, and can also result in a breakdown of previously strong and healthy family relationships. One of the most profound legacies you can leave your family is that you loved them enough to take the time to put in place your estate planning so that they are taken care of upon your death.
Passing on the stories
It’s often not until someone has gone that we realise there is so much we didn’t know about them. We all have so much within ourselves we can leave behind for future generations to cherish, we all have stories to share and often we may be the sole or one of the few custodians of those stories.
Here are some lovely ways you can leave a legacy by capturing cherished memories and information for loved ones.
- Create a video or audiobook
Creating a video or audiobook allows you to share your story, which expands on your life journey. Those left behind will then be able to watch or listen to it whenever they are inclined, and it’s also a lovely way for future generations to learn more about their ancestors.
- Compile a recipe book
If you are good in the kitchen and have some recipes your family and loved ones like, why not create your very own special recipe book that can be handed down for generations.
- Your autobiography
Put your life story to pen and paper. If the task appears overwhelming, have someone sit with you to transcribe your story. Not only is it a beautiful gift to leave behind, but it is also a lovely time for you to reflect as you look back over the different journeys that your life has taken you on, the big moments that have occurred and the experiences that you have encountered.
Legacy means different things to many people. Take the time out to think about what your end game is and the legacy you would like to leave when you are no longer here. Each of us has the opportunity to make a difference to the world – it’s up to you if you choose to do so.
Melisa Sloan, author of Big Moments, offers expert advice for conquering those moments that define us, is a lawyer, industry leader, author and board director who loves helping people put in place beautiful legacies. For more information visit www.melisasloan.com.au
Also read: Older Aussies want to leave a legacy
