Have you ever thought about what people will remember about you after you’re gone? It’s a big question, but it’s also a chance to think about what’s important to you and how you want to make a difference in the world. That’s what leaving a legacy is all about.
What does it mean to leave a legacy?
Your legacy refers to the lasting impact you leave on those who will outlive you.1 Leaving a legacy is like planting seeds in a garden. You may not be around to see the flowers bloom, but you know that your efforts will nourish and inspire those who come after you. It’s about sharing your wisdom, experiences, and passions with future generations, so they can learn from your journey and build a better world.
More than just money
When you think of a legacy, you might picture someone leaving a lot of money to their family. While that can be part of it, a legacy is so much more than that. Other ways you can leave behind a legacy include:
- Sharing your values: What’s important to you? Kindness, honesty, hard work? These are the things that make you who you are.
- Passing on your beliefs: What do you believe in? What do you stand for?
- Sharing your attitudes: How do you approach life? With optimism, resilience, or a sense of humor?
Why is leaving a legacy important?
Leaving a legacy isn’t just about looking back—it’s about reaching forward and shaping a brighter future for those who come after us. It’s important for many reasons, including:2
- It instills values. By consciously sharing your values—honesty, kindness, resilience, hard work—you provide future generations with a moral compass to guide them through life’s challenges. You help them understand what’s truly important and how to live a meaningful life.
- It creates lasting memories. Leaving behind clear, lasting memories through stories, traditions, and shared experiences creates a tapestry of love and connection that binds your family across generations. These memories become a source of comfort and inspiration for your loved ones, remind them of your presence and support long after you are gone.
- It’s selfless. Living with future generations in mind and striving to make the world a better place for your loved ones is one of the most selfless things you can do. It’s a gift of hope and opportunity, ensuring that those who follow have a chance to thrive and create their own meaningful legacies to pass on.
How to leave a legacy
What are some ways you can leave a legacy for future generations? Here are six ideas to get you started.
1. Write down family traditions
Family traditions are special things that you do together year after year. They can be anything from celebrating holidays in a certain way to having special family meals. Writing down your family traditions helps make sure they are passed down to future generations.
- Create special holiday celebrations together.
- Choose a favorite vacation spot and visit together every year.
- Come up with special birthday traditions.
2. Share your personal stories
Sharing stories is a great way to connect with your family and let them get to know you better. Your stories are a part of who you are. Sharing them helps your family to understand you and will help them remember you when you’re gone.
- Look through old photographs together.
- Look at maps of places that are important to you.
- Keep a journal filled with special memories that others can read.
3. Talk about your family stories
Don’t just share your own personal stories—share the stories of your family! Family stories connect you to your past and help you understand where you come from.
- Conduct genealogy research together.
- Create a scrapbook using old photos, letters, and mementos.
- Interview relatives about their own stories and share their answers.
4. Share family recipes
Food is a powerful way to connect with your family and share your culture. Sharing your family recipes helps make sure your favorite dishes are passed down to future generations.
- Write your favorite recipes on notecards.
- Create a family cookbook together.
- Invite family members to help you cook.
5. Learn more through your DNA
Genetic ancestry testing can help you learn more about your family history and where you come from. Understanding your family history can help you understand your past or even connect with other living relatives that you may not know.
Things you can learn through DNA research include:
- Where your family originally came from
- What ethnicities you’re made up of
- If you are at an increased risk for certain diseases3
6. Teach others your skills
Sharing your knowledge and skills with others is a great opportunity for bonding. Not only does this help others learn and grow, but it can give you
- Become a mentor to someone in the community.
- Share your knowledge about special topics with family members.
- Teach classes at your local library or senior center.
Leaving a legacy is about sharing who you are with the world and making a positive impact that lasts for generations. It’s about more than just money—it’s about your values, beliefs, and attitudes.
Things like writing down your family traditions, sharing your personal stories, and teaching others your skills can create a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Current content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.
