Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines LEGACY as:
1. a gift by will especially of money or other personal property
2. something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
What is your legacy? How have other people's legacies affected your life? What do you want people to remember about you after you pass on? I had thought of these questions, even before I had cancer. I had received a chain email with a poem written by Linda Ellis called "The Dash". It really had me thinking about my actions and how I interact with others, personally and professionally. It made me more aware of not only what type of person "I" want to be but what impression I want to leave on those I leave behind, especially my children.
I want my children to learn what it means to love unconditionally and to always have room for forgiveness. I want them to know it doesn't serve any purpose to be angry, hateful or malicious. That to have those type of feelings can only be toxic to your body, mind and spirit. I want my children to know to be careful of how you judge others because you don't know that person's life experiences and journey. That just because you may not agree with another person's lifestyle, it is not for you to judge or push your beliefs on another. As long as that person is not causing harm or are malicious in their thoughts and actions, it really isn't any of your concern. If they do find that another person's actions could be considered harmful to another then they should take the appropriate steps so that harm will not befall on another.
I am in no way expecting them to not stand up for themselves and their beliefs if they are challenged. But that they can choose their reaction. They can choose to retaliate through malicious thoughts or actions or they can stand up for their beliefs with respect. Now I'm aware the people can be quite cruel in their words and actions, and you must protect yourself from harm whether it physically or verbally. And it is a person's natural instinct to protect themselves from harm and there will be times our initial reaction may not be the most appropriate. But after, when looking back and reflecting about the past incident, if your able to see the "wrong and right" and have the ability for forgiveness or remorse that it will be less of an internal burden to carry. Forgiveness doesn't mean that you need to forget what occurred or was said. You will always have the knowledge but that that toxic burden will not be there. That toxicity is what leads to anger and hate.
Overall, it is mostly about living your life with "respect". Respect for yourself and respect for others.
If your interested, please read the poem "The Dash" by Linda Ellis. You may copy the following link in your browser...Enjoy!!!
lindaellis.net/the-dash-poem-by-linda-ellis
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