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What will be your legacy? After you are gone what is left?
As someone who has struggled with infertility, there have been moments in my life that I have worried when I am no longer here, there will be nothing left. True, we are each the legacy of those who come before us but our legacy is more that a genetic code that is passed down.
I have been a counselor for most of my social work career. I have sat with hundreds of men, women and children who have been brave enough to share their stories of trauma, pain and sadness. On more than one occasion, I have had a client come into my office and state, “You were sitting on my shoulder.” or “I heard your voice.” One family even joked with me that they would look at each other and state, “What would Sheryl say?”
I am always humbled when a client thanks me for what I have done. I quickly remind them that they are the one who has done the work. I’ve provided the support.
The honor of being a counselor is that you have the front row privilege of assisting someone in changing their life. As I sometimes worry about my legacy, I realize I have touched lives that I may not even be aware of I have helped a woman work through the grief of losing her mother and reevaluate her life. I have helped a young mother through her postpartum depression and become more present to her son. I have helped a woman accept that her family of origin was not healthy and she was not the one to blame. This enabled her to let go of years of pain and finally live her own life.
I do not say these things to brag but in acknowledgment each of us touch lives in ways we do not realize. For me, I need to realize that providing inspiration and hope to others is significant.
Our legacy can be the work we do daily or the hours we volunteer or it could be the richness of friendship that we make.
Our legacies are what we pass along to others.
Today I encourage you to think about what are you passing along. Take time to make sure you are leaving the legacy that you want to leave.
Please make sure you take time to join this fantastic link-up!
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Sheryl, you are my hero 🙂 I have an innate interest in human suffering, and how we cope, and how it affects generations and so on.
I find so much comfort in knowing that there are people like you in the world that have taken their own suffering and turned it into a motivator to help others.
I am so sorry that you have struggled with fertility, but you are SO RIGHT ON! You ARE leaving a legacy behind with the individuals whose lives you have touched, and in turn, the people whose lives they will touch. What a wonderful gift you give to humanity.
(((hugs)))
Vashelle, your comment was just what I needed after a somewhat yucky day. Wish I could hug you in person. I’ve done a lot of my own personal work which has enabled me to see that I have a choice to make with what I have been given. I’ve always prayed that whatever I encounter that God will make something good of it. I feel like he has. XOXO
Sheryl, this is a beautiful legacy to leave behind. I can personally attest to how counselors have helped me and supported me in my darkest time. Sometimes you just need a calm, listening ear, someone who offers comfort and a different perspective. I absolutely admire you that you get to do this and help others. High five, lady! 🙂 Thanks for linking up with us!
Mia, I share with my students that what people often need is our presence. Everyone has a story and often they just need to share it. Love this link.
This is lovely! I often remind myself that what’s important in life is what people will remember me by. What will they say at my eulogy? Certainly not that I dressed well. Helping others improve their lives is such a rewarding experience.
Jennifer, You are so right. It is how we have made people feel that matters. The other things are not going to be remembered. Thanks for stopping by!
I love this! And it is SO true! Everyday we have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. We may never know the impact we have on others, but it shouldn’t stop us from lending a hand or an ear when needed.
Thanks Andrea. Yes, I seriously try to realize that my smile to someone could be just what they are needing. Thanks for stopping by!