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Saturday, August 29, 2009

what is your legacy?

"i've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - maya angelou


today has been unexpectedly emotional. while making final edits on my tranquilista manuscript out at the cabin, beau has had the funeral of ted kennedy on in the background. i've come in from the screened in porch for stretch breaks and to hear inspiring speeches. i've learned so much about kennedy's legacy today and was particulary touched by his sons' and obama's speeches.

the way kennedy reached out to others to make them feel special was above and beyond - letters and calls to those who lost loved ones on 9.11, respect from those in the senate not of his political affiliation, the lessons he taught his sons through example, and the selfless way he served our country.

pondering one's eulogy may feel a bit morbid, but it definitely helps us reflect on how we spend our time, how we make others feel, and how we want to leave a legacy. watching the celebration of someone else's life is a beautiful nudge to make every moment count and every interaction as authentic and loving as possible. what that said, i ask, what do you want your legacy to be?

moi? if i'm asking you, i should share my hope. mary kay ash sums it up with this quote, "we must have a theme, a goal, a purpose in our lives. if you don't know where you're aiming, you don't have a goal. my goal is to live my life in such a way that when i die, someone can say, she cared."

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5 comments:

CarrieWrites said...

hopefully my weekly column I write to help and inspire people the focus is on disabilities issues

Sarah said...

Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

Ananda said...

amen kimberely. best wishes on the manuscript edits. i am looking forward to reading tranquilista. i told several friends about your book. they are excited too. bon weekend. ananda

Sara Avant Stover said...

thanks for sharing this. it's very timely as my grandmother is very ill and i'm the one who will speak at her funeral...i have filed away these quotes for that day. thank you.

Carolyn said...

I am really looking forward to "Tranquilista" to come out. Merci Beau Coup for all the inspiration..and since it is Monday morning...good luck with your first day of school!! Carolyn