The age old question reigns: What is the purpose of life? One could ponder this for the rest of their existence without coming up with a valid answer, because there is not one.
What may be a better question, however is this: What mark do you want to leave upon this world?
I was approached with this concept today, as I watched an encouraging video of a man who has dedicated his life to using his perceived disability as a means to encourage and change lives. It was after watching this amazing man exude passion about his goals for the future, that I realized I have never really sat down and decided what I want my legacy to be. In truth, that's a heavy subject. Only in my 20's and in the second year of my career, the idea of formulating what it is I want to be remembered for in decades, maybe even centuries, to come is one that takes some serious thought.
So here I am, considering everything in my life that I feel is important now and who I want to impact in the years to come. It's funny, I feel like I'm filling out a resume. Highlighting my projected legacy is like establishing a personal mission statement. Come to think of it, that seems a pretty legitimate and organized way to tackle this project. Read on to discover my lifelong mission statement.
I, Danielle, was born to change lives. I am a dreamer, believer, and a giver. My heart bleeds for those in need and is touched in the little moments that others may overlook. By some divine intervention, my passion for medicine was turned into desire to help disabled individuals live lives that are full and happy. I have no choice other than to succumb to this profession, for it chose me and is where my heart lies. In the years to come, I hope that among these things, I can live up to and be remembered as a...
* Woman of faith that lived for God
* Loving wife, daughter, and sister
* Best friend and lover of many years to the most amazing man of my life, my husband
*Hopefully as a mother,and even grandmother, that committed everything to the well being of her family
*Person of integrity at all times
*Friend that worked hard to maintain her friendships (something I need to start on now)
*Lover of music and art
*Woman that was strong in character that didn't compromise her values
*Woman with a heart for humanity and helping those that were in need
* Person that, despite her personal inner struggles, was never afraid to be brave in the face of fear
* Woman with an open and loving heart
* Person who was willing and able to overcome adversity
* Servant in all areas of life where there was a need to be met
* Person that labored to make the world a better place, one action at a time
* Lover of animals
* Woman that wasn't afraid to try, even if it meant facing failure
* Fair and honest supervisor
* Someone who worked hard to provide for herself and her family, but never sacrificed important events to be a slave to employment
* Woman who made a difference in one life
Although I believe, and even hope, that this mission may change in the years to come, I feel this is a good place to start. It's a great feeling to know what it truly is that I'm striving for in life. Trudging through the daily grind can be monotonous and is often a strain, leading to the next day that is exactly the same. That is why I'm seeing that there is so much validity in the need for personal goals, so that there IS something to fight for everyday.
What do you want YOUR legacy to be?
LOVE this Danielle. I agree, all those things are very honorable, and amazing that you realize those are the places you really want to focus on to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I'm with you on a lot of those, but to keep from rambling, I'd like to give you my #1, which I'm sure will be high on your list after a while :)
I want to be the best, most supportive, loving mother, step-mother, and wife I can possibly be. There's a cute little poem my foster-mom has on her wall that says something along the lines of, when you die, it doesn't matter how many things you have, or how much money is in your bank account, the only thing that will continue on is the difference you made in the life of a child. To this day that dwells within me.
I definitely want to be a good role model, to raise my children the best I can. It all comes down to doing my best and making sure my family knows they are my #1. I constantly have to keep myself in check. I get frustrated, or overwhelmed and I have to watch to make sure ONE thing I say won't hurt my child's feelings or make them scared or doubt their individuality. It's a constant struggle, coming from a background where so many hurtful things aren't forgotten. But overall, it makes me thankful, that from these experiences, I've learned from them. I pray everyday they will help me have a POSITIVE effect on my 3 little ones.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks of these things often.
I'll stop, this IS turning into a ramble.
I appreciate you sharing this, brings things back in perspective. Thanks!