Legacy — it’s the memories we leave behind and what we pass on to the next generation.
Everyone desires to leave a positive legacy to those around them, but what truly matters? Most people default to life accomplishments—careers built, money earned, success achieved. But when it comes time to remember a life, we find that these things rarely take center stage. Rather, most memorial services are centered around how someone showed up—their presence, their generosity, and the impact they had on the lives around them.
More Than Just Financial Security
Many people spend their lives working tirelessly to provide financial security for their families. This pursuit is rooted in a deep desire to care for our loved one’s physical needs. And while that’s undoubtedly important, it’s rarely the thing that our relatives reflect on at a funeral service. They don’t talk about the late nights spent at the office, the investments made, or the assets accumulated. They talk about the person—their warmth, their laughter, their unwavering support.
Providing for your family isn’t just about financial stability; it’s about being there. It’s about the bedtime stories, the weekend adventures, the spontaneous moments that leave lasting impressions. Money can offer security, but it’s presence that builds connection.
What Truly Matters
Having helped build countless memorial services, I’ve noticed a common thread: legacy isn’t measured by professional achievements, but by how deeply we invest in others. The memories people cherish aren’t about promotions or long work hours; they’re about kindness, generosity, and time well spent. In short, it’s about the love we give.
Did you take the time to show up for your family? Did you give of yourself to a cause bigger than you? These are the things that endure.
Invest in What Lasts
Take that vacation you’ve been putting off. Step away from work to make memories with your loved ones. These moments of love and deep connection will be the memories shared about you after you’ve passed. If you’re retired, use your time to support your family in meaningful ways—maybe by watching the grandkids so your children can reconnect, or by planning a family trip to create lasting bonds.
It’s these moments of connection and giving that truly shape the legacy you leave behind.
Live It Now
Legacy isn’t something you build at the end of your life—it’s something you create every day. So put the out-of-office message up, take a break, and do something that truly matters. Because when the time comes for your story to be told, you’ll want it to be one worth remembering.