Retrospection in Action: Define Your Legacy
Earlier this year, I learned that a student of mine—a young woman I had gotten to know—had passed this summer. She had just turned 38. Hearing of her death through Facebook made the news that much more shocking.
Social media is awkward and inept in many ways.
I went straight to Emma’s Facebook page in disbelief, where dozens upon dozens of people, maybe more (certainly more than I could count or go through that night) had posted memories they cherished of this incredible woman. They shared photos and stories and reflections. They shared how Emma had befriended another single mom in university to show her around the campus and the city and how those two stayed friends for years thereafter.
They shared how active she was in the community, a spiritual soul but also a diehard hockey fan and player. They shared about the humour that lives on in the eyes of her sister and on the face of her only son.
They shared how, in her last days, exhausted from this battle with cancer, Emma packed up her clothes, preparing them for donation to a family in need because, she said, “If I don’t do it, who will?”
The comments left and stories shared revealed her courage, her strength, and her spirit. They disclosed the profound impact she had on this world and continues to have on this world—and in my life.
Indeed, social media is awkward and inept in many ways. And yet it has its redeeming qualities, too.
I learned a lesson that day about what’s important; I was inspired to reflect on my life, to consider how I measured up. What is the weight and the shape of the mark that I make and will one day leave behind? Society emphasizes figure and fitness, hairstyle and fashion; it encourages us to whiten our teeth, Botox our skin, and at all costs, stay youthful. Emma had all of these things going for her already: physique and beauty and intelligence. But nobody commented on that. It’s not what people remembered. It’s not what mattered—not then and not now. I’m grateful for having learned such a valuable lesson from the legacy of someone so understatedly special. Thank you, Emma.
So when the time comes, as it will for us all, what will your circle of friends, colleagues, and loved ones have to say? Every morning you wake up, you have a decision to make, a clear commitment to creating the person you aspire to be. Your actions today define your tomorrow. Be your own inspiration; determine your legacy.
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