LIFE STORY ESSAY, how are we deciding our legacy and story?

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What is our story?

I was talking to a friend today, and we were talking about how we did not think to ask our parents about how they saw their lives. Or what their most early memories were. Which led me to a place of wondering how many times have we not taken the opportunity to truly honor each life of those we love.

How would our own life story essay look? For instance, I know that in my life, should anyone ever ask me, lol, I would probably need a moment to think about it. What do I want to be my legacy? Or better said, how am I at this very moment still writing my life story essay?

Huh, that gives me pause. If each moment of my life is a captured moment of me, how am I showing my love, my compassion?

My own essay of this is my world, my life, my truth, my gifts.

That might indeed take me to a place that I am a bit weepy about. I know for sure there are things I wished I had done so much better. Oh dear reader, don't we wish at times we had do-overs?

I wish as a single mom I did not have to work such long hours and miss meetings at my kids school. I wish I had not so much worried about cleaning the house, but instead just plopped on the couch and hugged my babies more.

Do they remember the times we did crafts together, or packed picnics and took off on hikes? Or the extraordinary conversations we had over dinner? Do they remember popcorn and tea parties? Or do they remember the times I must have failed as a parent? Or maybe by the grace of the universe they remember it all?

Do they think of me as the feminist who fought and lobbied for others as well as their needs? Do they know and accept that at the time I did the best I could do with the circumstances we were living through.

Did they know how adored and loved they were and still are?

Now that they are all grown, I get to watch and observe them. I am in awe of their constant ability to give so much to their world and their families. They are fabulous people with so much love and global vision. They have each created their own world order. With each moment being encapsulated with their own heart talk and connections.

There is a huge chance that I was not mindful as a young mother. I was too busy multi tasking.

And I have to forgive myself for what I did not know. At this moment I am aware of the practice of mindfulness. But I was not always.

I have given myself permission to understand that each path that I took is exactly what was needed. In fact, it is the connecting of the dots of our lives.

So I wonder how do we write our life story essay?

WHAT IS OUR INTENT?

Intent is defined as the act of intending, purpose. So my intent this day, (and change it daily if you wish,) is to make this day lighter for someone.

So first off, I have to be in a lighter space. So, whatever it takes to get me there, is my first act. Then I might just start internally by smiling at a stranger. Or making someone laugh. Or complimenting from the heart. Or a lovely hug.

And actually I had a really sweet story yesterday. I was out for a walk, and was amazed when a person I do not really know well, ran up to me and wrapped me in a bear hug! Besides being astounded at the hug, his words to me were so sweet. I am so happy to see you out of the wheelchair, he said!

I was bowled over and so very grateful. He has no idea of just noticing that, filled my heart. And he validated that indeed I was seen! So without even knowing it, his spontaneous reaction completely changed my heart!

That is the kind of intention that I seek. That is and needs to be my second nature. That we acknowledge another's life or struggle or joy. I think of it as a chain reaction of goodness.

And do we take the time each day to truly define our intention? I wonder sometimes, if I get busy with my own stuff and forget that I am connected to everyone. Or forget to smile.

For instance, does my daily interactions mesh with my higher thoughts of heart-centric living?

In wanting to make the world a more inclusive loving space, do I live that each day?

LEGACY

As we age, I think our thoughts go to our life story essay. How do we want to leave this world. Did I do anything to truly make the world a sweeter, kinder, connected place?

And that is not ego speaking. That is heart speak.

For each moment we have the chance to do better, be kinder, and be so very present in our mindfulness, that change grows and happens around us.

And lets not forget that each moment is a choice. And each moment is done just by each moment. The mountain was built by one tiny rock growing into another rock. Step by step.

So here is an exercise, would you try this with me please?

Take out a piece of paper.

Cut it into a heart shape.

Write down 5 things that define how you want your legacy to be seen and remembered.

Example: kindness, grace, compassionate, living in present mindfulness, however you see achievement.

And then take each example and write a blueprint for how we want that to define our life.

If we choose grace, how do we live it and show it?

And if you choose living in present mindfulness, does that mean we are showing each moment our complete attention and love?

Affix the heart somewhere you can see it during the day. Train yourself to look at it and ask am I doing this now. And if you are, kudos! Extra ice cream today! Celebrate the heart of who you are. Yay, you!

CONCLUSION

There is a space deep within that connects us to our own divinity. In that space lives all that we could possibly ask for. Whether or not, we have chosen to access this gift during our lifetime is the curriculum. But I am sure that many times we did it without even awareness. For in truth, I think our nature is basically nurturing and loving.

So for all the times we might not have accomplished or tended to others in a way that was in their or our best interests, there is no need to beat ourselves up. There are still so many more times, that indeed we did goodness.

Write and live your story with joy and love! You deserve it!

And don't leave out the messy parts. That is what makes us human. And sometimes adorable! And incredibly, sweetly, vulnerable.

Shine your light. I can see you, oh beautiful one!

Do let me know how this exercise works for you. And I would love to hear how you would write your own legacy of your life story essay! In fact, feel free to share it here!

We are the heart of the universal good!



In this moment we are connected by our own choice of being universally present.

Thank you for being here!

Do let me know how you see your legacy.

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Recent Comments

36

Awesome period (and a . )

Thank you sir! How are you?

working hard, the body is doing rough, the weather in Canada is changing quickly which takes a real toll on me but just keep trying to push through. How about you?

I hear you! Weather is changing here too! Give yourself time to pace and adjust. I am learning that just powering through is no longer the most effective way,lol. And that is life lesson number 5 million! Listen to your body, and be kind. Big hugs, ariel

I used to listen to my body but unfortunately, my condition only decreases with time so I have to try and muscle through otherwise nothing would get done. I have just learned from lesson 3 million and 1 that I can not push my self so hard to take myself out longer than needed, so I have learned my limitations, which is why I was not on here most of the day and only know just getting going. But your body does know best, you just have to learn to listen to what it's really saying. Hope your managing with the changing of the season ok. Here, last week it was sunny and 38C and today it's a high of 9C and pissing down rain and strong winds. You know you are from Toronto, Canada when you use your AC and heater in the same day!

I live in the mountains so I get that AC and heater thing!
As for us learning how to thrive in our physical bodies,it is a daily challenge and gift.
I am just glad you are here! I know your spirit is soaring! hugs, ariel

Thank-you...

I bet you don't get this one, ever wake up in the morning and you are frozen to the wall, literally? Prisoner by ice, teak bulkhead and flannel Star Wars pajamas...not good when your late for school. lol

Are you serious????? Wow..that is beyond drastic! I cannot wait to read the story about that! And more than that..you survived!

Awesome post, love it, something to think about have an awesome weekend
nadia

Hello Nadia! So many thanks. Have a really sweet day today!

Good afternoon Ariel,

I am so happy this happened to you, this person coming up and giving you a real big Hug
I would wish all humans to realize that we are the same, we all have the spark inside us
When I leave here starting a new adventure I hope there will be some people who remember me as a person who tried to do her best.

Have a great weekend, Taetske.

Hello Taetske! I thank you for reading this..and yes it is always such a lovely connection when we are seen! We do indeed have the spark inside of us. I agree that the world would be such a place of comfort and peace if we all could connect the dots to the spark!
I am guessing you are very loved and seen in your community. And your presence, present, is quite a gift to all!
Hope this moment just flows with joy for you! ariel

Thank you, Ariel, that was really sweet of you.

Taetske

Hey Ariel, I did read your entire story...great! Wonderful ! Thank you. Here is mine a bit shorter: What is the meaning of LIFE? The answer is so simple but jet so deep that you will try to solve it for the upcoming years! YES I do have THE answer! Ask me, if you want to know! Since there is so much to say and the days are getting shorter as we are getting older (hey that even rimes...maybe I am a poet?...LOL)...and I am seeing my daughter growing every day jet it seems like yesterday she was 1 month old and all of a sudden she is 8 years old...wow LIFE was GREAT, still is but for ME the purpose is now my daughter! My parents passed away not too long ago, my beloved son, that is my dog for me,passed away 2008 and it still hurts! The PAIN but also the LOVE is still there just like it was yesterday. Our LIVES are so unique and precious that most people only understand it when they leave this earth. I was NOT born to work my butt off! That I believe is an invention of the groups of people who control this planet! We are HERE to live and enjoy what was given to US, our LIFE's ! So Thank you for your story and my legacy will be that I have lived to the fullest...but left my daughter behind to life her life doing GOOD things, being humble and help others! Thanks!

Ok, I am asking for your answer!
I so agree it is not about the work, it is though our connections. Our ability to love, care and be there for ourselves and others. That to me is our legacy.
I am grateful to hear you are living life to the fullest...that is a phenomenal way to change the world!
I am sure your daughter knows already how blessed she is to have you!
May your journey to growing and loving never stop. Blessings, ariel

Hi Ariel, thanks for asking. The answer is simply: "LIFE" itself. YOU made it. YOU are here! YOU are alive! And I am pretty sure that my daughter will get it eventually...I understood what I truly had with MY PARENTS when they were gone. Only then I got it! Never know what you have until its gone. So true!! Have a great weekend!

Always inspiring and thought provoking. Thanks, Jay

Thank you Jay! Hope you are doing well and enjoy this weekend. ariel

I have been a single mom for most of my life. I have a daughter who is an educator and a son who is in high school. I have been that mom that has worked two jobs all her life. I have had to fight my way for promotions and good jobs. I have had to fight through the negative comments. But, I would not be here at WA today if I had not aimed for a better life. Some say I am never satisfied. My legacy is to show my grown children and other parents that you have to keep growing. I am hungry for success and when I stay up till 2:00 a.m. on my workdays, it is worth it. My legacy will be that I had determination and with hard work, generations can be changed. The mindset can be changed. Blessings to you Ariel.

Blessings to you Melissa! For all your hard work and the legacy you are already carving! You are an inspiration!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and respond.
And I am sure that everything you do is wrapped in love!
Huh the generations curse...I always believed it is only a fight if we make it. When we provide change we have already changed the course. And you are doing an excellent job!
Don't forget to take care of you,,ok? Its really important. I learned that the hard way.
Enjoy your building blocks to joy and success..I have no doubt you are already wealthy beyond your dreams! big hugs, ariel

Hi,

This really is the kind of thing one does in a quiet pause, when taking a step back to see ourselves in the big picture... when you reach a little junction in your life and ask, what next?

I have had many such moments. But the imagination is primed so differently for lifestory ideas at different ages. When I imagined what I might want to leave for others as a child for instance, it was different to now, in my middle years. Here, as a comparison, three dreams I’ve had over the years:

At 7 years: every night I am visiting the most beautiful landscape. The territory is so vast I never see it all one dream. This recurring dream ends with me flying over everything. It is so beautiful I ask my companion where we are. He says - this is everything you will build in your lifetime. I only get that glimpse once. It’s to give me faith and keep me going.

In my twenties: I am planting a twiggy young pomegranate tree by a bus stop. It is too young to bear fruit now, but in the future, all those travelers will enjoy the fruit. I continue on to a crowded public place where suddenly, for reasons I don’t understand, I die. My companion starts to fly me out of my body, I am looking down and distraught - I tell him - but I didn’t get to say goodbye! It’s ok he says. It’s time. It’s ok for you to go now. You have accomplished and set in motion all you were meant to. I fly away with him.

Now, my 40s, just the other day: in a town, late at night, I am dreaming that I am guiding a heavily pregnant woman with short blonde hair on foot, to safety. The village - which has the feel of some European place - is unfamiliar, all the alleyways are dark. I walk down the thin main road with her (for some reason I know she is Russian) only a few steps behind me, holding my hand at times. This place looks war-torn; there is rubble everywhere. We are barefoot. I am afraid of what might jump out from the shadows; I need to protect her. I kick down a door to find her safe lodging, and we walk through what looks like a crack house. There is crushed broken glass underfoot everywhere, and sleeping bodies. Rubble. Some parts of this house are illuminated by an ugly fluorescent lighting. I find her a safe corner in this mess to sleep in for the night, and I watch over her. She will give birth soon.

...I can see in the visual metaphors of all my dreams how the idea of ‘lifestory’ has changed with age and perspective. In particular, the sense of urgency grows over time. But I am also intrigued by the transition from ‘broad lens’ aerial view, to being down on the ground; from thinking about an overview, to the precise actions taken.

I also like that this kind of dream, while evidently a beautiful mirror of our daily life, also has the capacity to inspire, direct and motivate. I reflect on the symbolism to think about where I was, where I am, and where I could be going. That’s life story generation, I guess.

ivy Hello! What an amazing scope! And that at each crossroads you show your heart in such a loving way. I can truly see how your heart light glows!

I cannot thank you enough for sharing this!
And I love the way you write. You truly paint pictures with your words!

I think the metaphor of time is indeed our motivator and inspiration. We accept the path and yet know that preciousness is in the very ground view of each and every moment.

And the fact that each moment gives us the loving opportunity to write and rewrite the aerial view to ensure the sweetness of singular simple connection.

Your visions are lovely! So many many thanks for sharing your heart!
I look forward to hearing so much more from you!
in peace and much gratitude,ariel;

Oh, you're very welcome! Also, I hardly realised the length of my response because I was typing into a tiny phone window (so many clumsy, erratic thumbs). Thanks for traveling the whole way through!

I am happy you responded so in depth! Enjoy this moment and live in your joy.

Ariel a deep thought provoking post.
I am a fan of Tony Robbins, he and many other motivators, profess that you think about the write out what you want your tombstone statement to read, and plan and live your life accordingly.

At the highest level, my ultimate goal is to leave this world a little better than I found it - eat, love and pray.

Well said! Many thanks for this ! I am too a fan of his!
I am sure you are already giving the world great things just because you are here! enjoy this weekend, wishing you even more joy. ariel

Hi! Ariel,
Your fine striking my deep cord makes me think and is helping me to rekindle what is life.
To me, I offer the commonsensical note: Live Healthier (healthy lifestyle without overindulgence and obsession) = Look Nicer, Feel Better, and Live Longer. Without such, a dream can not come true, but still in endless dreaming.
Every time, I always learned something from you. Keep striking me and I will listen and follow.

Best wish to success,


James

Thank you James! I like your idea. I think it is so true. I am so touched you are enjoying these posts.
Wishing you great joy, ariel

Welcome, in touch...

You really drew me in and struck a cord with me. I have battled autoimmune disease most of my life and have been to ill at times to always be what I wanted so desperately to be to my children. I hope that they will see beyond me not making it to gymnastics and swim meets at times, to see that I have sacrificed and endured for them and that I have done the best I could to support them. I'm sure that you can understand this as well, Ariel . I will do your exercise. Right now I do something like this exercise to begin with. I use a F.U.E.L. Journal ((Focused - Unlimited - Extraordinary _ Life Journal). I find I do much better at manifesting what I want in life when I use it, both in my home and business life.

At the bottom of the page each day, it asks you what you wish to manifest on that day. My answers are usually joy, love, kindness, caring, etc. I write it large and work with it in front of me each day. I keep it on the desk in front of me as I work. I keep my goals for business and home life in this journal. I read them each day as I begin. I adjust them as time goes by to make sure they are clear as to what I wish to accomplish. I look at them as I am winding down for the day. There is also a section for you to write your accomplishment s there. If I did manifest what I sought to that day, I write it down. I track my progress. I have trained myself to do this because I, too, began to think about my legacy. I know that as long as I draw breath it is not too late to make a change...to be the person I want to be.

Thank you for writing a truly lovely entry for everyone. I hope all those who read this will put a lot of thought into it and will follow your exercise. It is true that we think of our legacy more with age. I wish I had done this all my life. What's important it that I am doing it now. So for running on like I did.

Have a wonderful weekend, Ariel!

Anita

Anita, reading your beautiful comment brought me to tears! I know exactly what you are talking about. We can only hope that our love light is stronger than our illness.

And it sounds to me like you have found a lovely chord! I do believe that as we change ourselves we change our world, and that includes those that love us.

The journal seems to be a fabulous exercise. It sounds like it really enhances your day and helps to keep your in your highest intention. Wow!

And I hope that even though each day must be a struggle for you, that you still find strength deep in your soul. I know what it feels like to not be able to even care for oneself. I don't wish that on anyone.

Yet it became my divine gift.

I know you are already reaping the compassionate grace that comes with dis-ease.

For so many years I just asked for compassion and grace as I tried to manage in a body that did not work. That was hard work to love even with anger.

I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to write back such a heartfelt response.

I look forward to not only sharing this journey together, but perhaps finding ways to enrich other's world too. And I cannot wait to chat again!

May you know that your light is burning so brightly! I am so grateful to know you..and blessings are hugging you!
in peace and gratitude, ariel

You are very welcome. I would like it if we chatted more often. I do believe that we are of the same type of mind and I know we can help each other in our journeys.

I hope you are having a great weekend Ariel!

Anita

then lets make that happen! have a really sweet time!

Sounds like a plan!

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