What do you want to leave behind after you’re gone?
My great-grandfather was a renowned musician, one of the few whose songs were undoubtedly sung by every soul in my country. He passed away four years before I was born. And though I never met him, his presence is all around. In the homes of my parents, aunts, uncles (and even my own), his image was everywhere. Paintings, portraits, relics, medals, commendations, and gifts adorned our walls, each a testament to his life. Growing up, I could see that every single one of our family was freaking proud of just the fact that they were related to him (well, in both good and bad way, but will talk about it later).
And even more than three decades after his passing, politicians & artists still occasionally visit his home. He had left behind a legacy that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
That sometimes makes me wonder: “What do we want to leave behind when we’re gone?”
Is it a lasting legacy – something that will endure beyond our lifetime, whether it’s a work of art, a piece of writing, or a foundation that carries on our values?
Is it some meaningful contribution – a difference we make in the world, to leave it a better place than we found it?
Or is it love and connection – to be remembered for the love we shared with others, the relationships we nurtured, and the positive impact we had on those around us?