Our legacy in life
Since last week, I have been giving much thought about the meaning of ones life, what we are to accomplish while we are here and the legacy we leave behind. I think there are lot of reasons why this has become important to me as of recent but those reasons aren’t as important as the thoughts that has arisen because of them.
I am not a good business woman. To clarify… I love what I do, I take pride in my small little business, and I care about those whom I touch through my business. Yet, I am not a good business woman. I care less about the income and profit than I should. I am terrible at marketing myself as it feels unnatural and a bit self-serving. I care more about the people that work for me than I do their productivity. I am happiest when I have had new faces enter the shop and strike up new friendships or shared in an event that was made more special in a small way through my food. Those are the nights I go to bed most content and at peace.
So, as I think about my legacy, that which I will leave behind, I know it won’t be a fat bank account or a surplus of “stuff”. It won’t be newspaper articles or awards. There will be no accolades for my business savvy. Rather, I will most likely be remembered for the simple things, the moments when no one was looking. At least, that is my hope. That is what I would love for my legacy to be in the business sense.
At home, I hope it to be not much different. I hope my legacy will be a collection of the simple things. It is not an easy task to stay focused on that. We live in a world now that emphasizes many things that aren’t simplistic and pure and makes one feel they are the basics- the new basics. The temptation to compete and alter our paths is great.
I will continue to give thought and prayer to what legacy I wish to leave behind. What will people say…”she was a good cook but never made it big because of too much time at home” Perhaps. She was a force in the culinary business but had no life outside of that” I hope not. What will be said of you? Where will your greatest legacy lie? Will it be at work, with your friendships, with your family? It bears some thought.
I know my kids are loved. There are many stray dogs and cats that would say they remember me. I make a great tomato soup which has comforted many a tired and hungry soul. I still have friends from kindergarten years. It is a start to knowing my legacy.
Each person has their own and the choice is ours-today is a great day to start.
