Leave Your Legacy in Dollars, Cents and in Who You Are, What You Mean to Others. In the Words of Max Lucado-"Outlive Your Life!"
You may think of legacy as a word typically associated with estate planning, charitable giving, and the tangibles you plan to leave to your loved ones. Although these things are important aspects of estate planning, we believe that legacy is much more.
It's Your Personal Journey.
There's no doubt that properly planning your estate is extremely important. Having the right documents in place today will make that financial transition easier for your family. But we'd ask you also to consider your personal journey as part of your estate planning.
If you are someone who seeks deeper meaning, this will make sense to you. On the other hand, if you are a bit more practical and pragmatic about life, we'd ask you to take a moment to ponder your personal journey. Take the time today and reflect on where you've been, that's where your legacy plan begins. Think about who has inspired you or been a participant in molding who you are today. And, who might you have inspired or impacted?
How Have You Left Your Legacy?
Part of your legacy is your imprint on your family and friends. And, even beyond your family, it's every person with whom you interact with meaningfully. Yet, there are also those people who you interact with casually. Think about how your words or deeds can be meaningful even with complete strangers, often without your awareness.
If you're still not certain how important legacy is…consider a person in your life who continues to be a source for guidance or inspiration. It may be that they are still near you or perhaps no longer around. Yet, they continue to influence your life. For some, this person will be immediately self-evident. While for others, you may have to think a bit to recall a person who has been so vitally important to who you are today. It might be a teacher, a parent, a coach, an uncle or an aunt. As you think about it, you know that you'd be a different person today without the knowledge, inspiration or wisdom of that person. And it may be obvious or a faint idea of how or why they may have inspired you. The point is, they have come to mind. Therefore, this person in some part has left their legacy with you.
One of the Best Ways to Begin Is by Simply Taking Time to Reflect.
Journaling has been done for centuries by famous achievers. Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, George Lucas, Charles Darwin, John D. Rockefeller, Frida Kahlo, Thomas Edison, Peter Jennings. And of course, Oprah and her famous "Gratitude Journal" among others.
We believe the path for not only your "Legacy" plan but also your "Life" plan may be easier to identify than you might think. Through the simplicity of journaling, your self-awareness, clarity, freedom of expression, ideas, memories, true passions for what you want out of life can come alive. There are benefits for you in doing this today. Ask someone you know who journals. They'll be the first to tell you how beneficial writing thoughts down can be.
Some Definitions of Legacy for You to Ponder.
Legacy | Definition of Legacy by Merriam-Webster
- a gift by will especially of money or other personal property : Bequest She left us a legacy of a million dollars.
- something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past the legacy of the ancient philosophers.
Legacy | thoughts on Legacy by Lenity Financial, Inc.
Legacy – He or She left his/her children a legacy of love, kindness and compassion.
Important Note:
The views expressed in this post are as of the date of the posting and are subject to change based on market and other conditions.
Nothing in this post should be construed as an offer to sell, nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase an interest in any security or separate account. Nothing is intended to be, and should not be taken to be, investment, accounting, tax or legal advice. If you would like investment, accounting, tax or legal advice, you should consult with your own financial advisors, accountants or attorneys regarding your individual circumstances and needs. No advice may be rendered by Lenity Financial, Inc. unless a client service agreement is in place.
Sources:
The Pocket Notebooks of 20 famous men
8 Iconic People Who Kept Journals - JournalOwl