Legacy

By Joyce M. Averils, J.D.
Coach/Speaker/Seminar Leader


I recently attended a Celebration of Life service for Ola, a friend who passed away after a long illness. As I listened during the service, I reflected on the life of the woman I'd known for over 20 years. A few tears were shed but it was truly a time of celebration.


There were several acknowledgements and a lot of good, kind things were said and they were all true. How many times have you attended a memorial service or a retirement party and wondered who in the world the people were talking about? I know I've attended my share; but not this time.


This got me thinking about my life and the way I want to live and be remembered. What will my legacy be? How will I be remembered? Am I a woman of influence today? Am I making a difference in someone's life?


Ola's service reminded me of three things that we can all do to create our legacies right now.


Have a Trademark
Every speaker who spoke at my friend's service, talked about her "billion dollar smile." This was the first thing everyone who came into contact with her noticed. She had a beautiful, brilliant and genuine smile. It was her trademark. How about you - what's your trademark? Make sure it's something good, positive and memorable. No negative trademarks allowed!


Be an Encourager
Ola was a genuinely kind and caring woman, whether she knew you or not. She never failed to have an encouraging word for anyone who needed to hear one. She was never too busy or too tired to take the time to share a few words of inspiration. In a world where you're so busy, it's important to remember to take the time to encourage your family members, friends, co-workers and anyone else God places in your path.


Live Your Faith
My friend didn't hide her faith and she didn't beat people over the head with it either. She lived her life in such a way that others knew there was something different and special about her. Her life was a living testimony. Do people know what you believe? Or, are you trying to blend in? You can't control when you're born or when you'll die, but you can control how you'll live.


© 2006 Joyce M. Averils


Want to use this article on your website or your own ezine? No problem! But here's what you MUST include: Joyce M. Averils, is a Life Coach and author of the free email mini-course, "The 5 Most Common Fears That Stop Women From Realizing Their Full Potential & How to Overcome Them", www.fivemostcommonfears.com. To sign up for her free "21 Days to a New Habit Workbook" and how-to articles, visit www.shesgotpotential.com/resources.htm.