In various ways, we all want to leave our mark on the world. We know we will not be here forever and so we want our time here to matter. And taking the time to consider what we leave behind allows us to fulfill this deep desire in our souls.
For many, the desire to have kids helps fulfill this desire to leave a meaningful legacy. The desire to procreate runs deep and provides a very concrete example of leaving something of ourselves behind after we die.
Our works of art might be other examples. And while this can include classical expressions such as writing books, composing music, paintings, and the like, it also includes any projects, hobbies, or systems we create that benefit others. To be sure, anything we create that lasts is part of the legacy we leave behind.
Likewise, the relationships we forge, the life we live, and the stories we tell are also part of our legacy.
Without a doubt, for many, the desire to leave their mark is more about their own pride and ego. They simply want the validation of being remembered after they’re gone.
But this desire to leave our mark is not necessarily a bad thing.
In fact, it often highlights our realization that life is not just about us. We want to leave our mark as a way of letting our life serve those who are coming after us.
In short, we don’t want our life to be just about us. We want to know our life has made a difference for others as well.
We often become very self-centered when we’re not concerned about what we leave behind. And our selfishness eventually leads to isolation and despair.
In the end, take the time to consider your legacy. What you leave behind matters. And it’s part of how you serve others and bring more life and goodness into the world even after you’re gone.
Photo by Nick Gardner on Unsplash
