“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Recently I had the privilege of attending a Celebration of Life for a longtime family friend. Instead of dwelling on loss, the event focused on a vibrant tapestry woven with laughter, music, and stories that showcased the person he was. As I listened to those stories, Maya Angelou’s words resonated deeply within me, reminding me of the profound impact we have on each other.
“How will I be remembered?” As a therapist this is a question that I often think clients could benefit by asking and answering for themselves. It’s a powerful query, one that can push us to live with intention and purpose. Here’s the thing: the answer doesn’t lie in some grand monument or earth-shattering achievement. It lies in the hearts we touch, the moments we create, and the way we choose to live.
At the celebration, tears were shed, but more importantly, there was a joyful release as friends and family shared cherished memories. People spoke of his curiosity about life, his creativity, his unwavering kindness, and mostly about how he made them feel special, important, and ways that he had impacted their own life, in sometimes big and sometimes small ways. It was a celebration, not of his absence, but of the beautiful life he lived and the indelible mark he left on the people who knew him.
So, how do you want to be remembered? To answer this question maybe start by reflecting on how you would like to be remembered by specific people in your life: your life partner, your children, your community, and your friends. Then spend some time contemplating on the ways you are measuring up or falling short of these desires. This process of self-reflection can be both challenging and rewarding. It might lead to a sense of fulfillment or perhaps uncover areas where you desire growth. Remember, it’s never too late to make changes. Your legacy is still being written. Work through any obstacles that might be hindering you from living a life that aligns with how you want to be remembered.
Ultimately, the goal for me, isn’t to achieve perfection but to live a life filled with meaning, purpose, and connection. A life that leaves a positive impact on those around me. Just like my friend, may our lives be a celebration, not just in retrospect, but in every moment.
Therapist