Near our house there is a small park with a large stone in one corner that reads ‘Ware Park’. The inscription on the front of it adds;
“Wilhemina Ware donated this parkland to the City of Surrey in 2007 for future generations to enjoy”.
I walk our dog by this park frequently, and the other night as I was doing so, it got me thinking about the legacy we leave behind.
Here was this woman, Wilhemina Ware, who could have sold this piece of land and pocketed a pretty penny, or passed it on to her extended family (if indeed she had one) ensuring that said family would have a robust inheritance, that they could then choose to sell, pocketing a pretty penny…
…but she didn’t do any of those things.
She left this parcel of nature for future generations (strangers like me) to enjoy.
This is a true gift in the best sense of the word.
Every time a dog walker passes the park, or a couple out on a stroll pauses to read the inscription and watch a squirrel race up a nearby tree, or kids come out to play on the tire swing that someone tied up there, that park is appreciated, good feelings are generated and Ms. Wilhemina Ware’s legacy lives on.
Your Legacy
When I think of leaving a legacy, my mind jumps to my children and how leaving them happy and content is what matters most to me.
Once that is taken care of, then my thoughts go in other directions;
Future grandchildren, having a positive impact on friends, family and the greater community, passing on a cherished home or summer place, leaving behind a creation of some kind, be it a well tended garden, or a book.
What About You?
So often we are so caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle that we don’t get a chance to reflect on what we are doing, why we are doing it and where we are headed.
Is what you are working on today getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow? Or 5 years from now? Or 10?
Is what you are focussing on this week, laying the ground work for your legacy?
Do you have a picture of how you want the next few decades to unfold and what you want to leave behind?
I know most of us could use more time to reflect on these important questions, and I have a way to support YOU in doing just that!
On Sunday, April 14, 2019 I’ll be hosting a FUN and FABULOUS event that will help map out your future life, get clear on where you want to go, and the legacy you want to leave behind.
Get all details here.
xo
Eliz