We can start shaping our own legacy by first learning about people who changed the world because they believed strongly in their convictions and not to be famous or gain recognition. It is surprising to learn about individuals who made instrumental changes in society and are not widely known or studied today.
In our society, we often believe that only famous people who create inventions, run large companies or are stars can make an impact in the world and leave a lasting legacy. It is understandable that many people share this belief because we usually learn about famous people in school and from various forms of media.
But challenge this by thinking about the people who have touched your world and made a lasting impression; most of them are probably not famous. Creating a legacy does not have to deal only with what you leave behind, but involves what impact you make in the lives of people close to you and with organizations and charities important to you.
Usually, everyday people don’t think about how they can create a legacy. We may not even know that we have made a difference in someone else’s life or believe that we can make a contribution to the world. However, throughout history there are people who have made major impacts who are not remembered or studied in schools. Sometimes we learn about them by chance. We can also think about people in our lives who have affected our beliefs or overall feelings about ourselves.
We can start shaping our own legacy by first learning about people who changed the world because they believed strongly in their convictions and not to be famous or gain recognition. It is surprising to learn about individuals who made instrumental changes in society and are not widely known or studied today.
It is difficult not to hear about the current presidential race without it being noted that Hillary Clinton may change history by being the first female president. But we forget about Edith Wilson, who was known as the “secret president” when her husband, then-President Woodrow Wilson, suffered a disabling stroke. We don’t learn about Grace Aguilar, who during her short life wrote twice as many books as Jane Austen — from popular historical romances to an introduction to Judaism that was used by both churches and synagogues. Also, during the ongoing debate about national health care, we forget about Lillian D. Wald, who encouraged the concept of national health care while starting the Visiting Nurse Service of New York and helping to found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Another overlooked individual is Harriet Perl who, as a retired teacher, was instrumental in founding the first LGBT synagogue in 1972.
While thinking about the direction of your legacy, it is helpful to think about everyday people who made a difference in your life.
Speaker and writer Amy Hirschberg Lederman speaks about her grandmother, who through her unconditional love was able to convince all of her grandchildren that they were her favorite. She also writes about her grandmother, who considered her greatest legacy to be her role as a dedicated mother, wife and grandmother. Most importantl was her ability to give her granddaughter her beloved Shabbat candlesticks, which were her only possession from her childhood in Russia.
You can create your legacy by meeting Holocaust survivors, who will teach you the importance of resilience, hard work, education and keeping memories alive through their writings and future generations. Grandparents, like my own grandmother, also can help you develop your legacy through their major impact on your lives and their unconditional love and support.
Now think about creating your own legacy. This is an ongoing process and does not need to wait until your senior years.
Maybe your legacy involves contributing to a charity or helping others, either financially or with your time. You can help ensure that this cause will endure into the future through your commitment and by letting others know about your passion. If you’re unsure of where to start, write down a few things that are important to you. Maybe your list includes spending time with a friend or family member or committing to help a neighbor in need with daily tasks.
Creating a legacy does not only involve helping others.
Writing or recording stories about the past is part of creating a legacy that will endure throughout time. Another way to create a legacy is to share recipes that will be used for holidays now and in the future. The possibilities are endless!
Remember that Mandy Hale said, “To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care enough and be there.” You may be surprised how everyday things that you consider inconsequential may make a lasting impact on someone else and contribute to your legacy.
Marcy Shoemaker, Psy.D., is a psychologist at Abramson Center.
