Growing up, I used to go to my cousin’s house all the time, and there was something in her parents’ kitchen that has always stuck with me. You know those “live, laugh, love” signs? Well, this one said, “To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you may be the world”.
I have thought about that quote numerous times through the years, and it’s comforted me and guided the way I live my life. In times when I have thought that my life means nothing because I haven’t “contributed” anything to the world, I think of this quote, and I remember – I may not have done a ton in terms of what the world recognizes, but to my closest friends and family, I am important and I am loved. And those relationships have meant the world to me.
When we think of leaving a legacy, we often imagine doing something big and important, like writing a best-selling book, starting a successful business, or founding a charity. However, the meaning of legacy doesn’t have to be limited to these big accomplishments. Legacy to me means that you meant something to someone, even if it was just one person. So what does legacy mean to you? It’s so important to remember that even small actions can make a big impact on the world, and you can leave a legacy of love, generosity, fun, and any number of fundamental values that shape our lives.
In this post, I’ll explore how we can build a legacy by focusing on small actions that can have a ripple effect, creating positive change that extends far beyond our lives.
The Power of Small Actions
We often underestimate the power of small actions, but they can have a big impact on the world. I saw a TikTok video recently where a couple of people went around in their car and just complimented people as they drove by. They would say, “I love your outfit!” or “your smile is so lovely!”.
Whenever they would say their compliment, the receiver’s face would light up in surprise. I wondered if this had happened to me and how it would feel. I would know it was for some social media thing, but honestly, it would still make my day. I’d tell my friends about it, and I might even consider doing something to uplift someone else in return.
Of course, that’s a classic example of a public act of kindness, but we do so many more for our loved ones that can have an even more significant impact. One example I think of immediately when it comes to leaving a legacy of love is my mom. She loves her kids so much and shows it through small things. For example, I’ll mention that I like a specific treat, and in three months, I’ll come home, and she’ll have bought that treat so I could have it while I’m there and take it home. I mentioned to her the other day that I’d tried out my friend’s electric blanket and really liked it. Well, the next day, she brought home an electric blanket for me. Beyond remembering items that will make me feel loved, she has always been there for me. She’s listened to me rant on about my struggles and life stories for hours on end. She’ll even laugh at my jokes and make me feel better about myself. I’ll truly never forget that.
My mom is truly the perfect example of someone who has built a legacy beyond what the world would recognize. And the thing is, we all have done this same thing in different ways. I’m sure you all are thinking of someone in your life that has meant this for you, and when you think of their legacy, it is vast and genuinely impactful. And in turn, someone will think of you for the same reasons. Small actions over time add up to a significant impact.
Living a Life of Purpose
I took quite a few classes in college for my major that focused on creating experiences. One of my major takeaways from all these classes is that to create an impactful experience, you have to be intentional. Being intentional can take many forms, depending on the context. For example, being intentional in our relationships means showing up for the people we care about, listening actively, and being present in the moment. Likewise, being intentional in our personal development means identifying growth areas and taking active steps to improve ourselves.
The key to being intentional is approaching our actions and decisions with purpose and thoughtfulness. This might involve reflecting on our values and goals, considering the potential outcomes of our choices, and being mindful of our own needs and the needs of others. If we do this, we can live our lives in a way aligned with our deepest beliefs and values and positively impact the world around us.
To build a legacy, it’s essential to live a life of purpose and intention. This means focusing on our values and goals and taking action in ways that align with our vision for the world. By doing so, we can create a legacy that reflects our deepest beliefs and values.
Conclusion
Building a legacy is not just about doing something big and important; it’s about focusing on small actions that can impact the world. By living a life of purpose and intention and creating a positive ripple effect through our efforts, we can leave a lasting legacy reflecting our deepest beliefs and values.
Preserve Your Legacy through EverStory
The legacy you leave is made up of all your stories and how you have chosen to live your life. It’s a beautiful story that deserves to be remembered. EverStory can create a personalized documentary of your life, giving it the platform it deserves. Contact us today to start on your journey with us, we’d love to hear from you!