I don’t know about you but every once in awhile something comes along in life that allows me the opportunity to pause and reflect. Sometimes it’s just a little shift where I might look at something a little differently. Other times, I find myself really reflecting on what I’ve just experienced.
Summer provides so many chances for us to experience life from a different point of view. Maybe it’s just because we’re out more…doing fun things in the warm summer air. I know it can happen at other times but it is summer right now and well, I’ve been out and about.
In July we took a road trip and went to Santa Cruz. Last Saturday a gift was dropped into our lap. What I had was the pleasure of experiencing something, in the last 30+ days, that doesn’t come around all that often.
On Saturday evening waiting for the event to start it struck me. In a short period of time, I have witnessed something incredible. So much so, that I found myself reflecting on what it meant and how it applied to my life.
The video below reveals the story.
So, where are you? What are you in the pursuit of that is the stuff legends are made of? Are you living a life that when it’s complete will create a legacy? Something that will live on for generations to come.
Most of us are working in one way, shape, or form to transform peoples lives…to make their life better…because that’s what they want and our desire is to help them get there.
My challenge to you is to play BIGGER! We are capable of doing so much more than we are. This is what I’ve been reflecting on lately. How can I be more, so that I can do more, and as a result give more.
Sure, I like working with people and guiding them forward on their path. However, I’m reflecting on what I can do to play bigger…to leave a legacy…one that transforms others for generations.
How about you?
Until next time, go out and Live Your Best Life!
Very interesting and challenging questions, And, by explaining the background, it helps to understand “where you’re coming from.” You were reflecting on the careers of legends. But something struck me while listening to you.
I thought of a news story flashed on the radio in some other room of the house earlier today, commenting on the death of baseball “legend” Bobby Thompson whose decisive hit for the New York Giants 59 years ago was a “shot heard round the world.” Now let me say that I have no idea who he was, I never have paid attention to sports, and I had to look up this information to get it right for this comment.
What caught my ear were the words, “shot heard round the world.” I know those worlds well as a quote from Longfellow describing the Battle at Lexington in 1775. As a (former) history teacher the application of the phrase to a sports so-called legend annoyed me. And I got to thinking, as I often do, why so much is made of such accomplishments. Thousands of people (maybe millions) accomplish significant things in many other fields, but their death is not noted on the radio, they are not remembered for years of achievements on national radio, let alone for a solitary homerun.
I am thinking that one can leave a legacy and never be a legend. Or to rephrase, the media makes it easier for individuals in certain occupational fields to become legends such as entertainment and politics. You may make a huge difference in your family, neighborhood, or even in an entire industry! and never be known to the general public.
Just sayin’…. to take a little pressure off you ….
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Don Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Hi Richard,
It’s true that people like musicians, politicians and athletes get remembered so much more when they pass. Face it, they’re in the lime light. I have known people that have impacted my life. I know people that are impacting the lives of others and the work they are doing IS changing the peoples lives they touch for a few generations to come. I’m guessing you do too.
You don’t have to be somebody famous to be a legend. You just have to live life with a huge heart. So many regular people are making a profound impact on this world…more so then the famous people that we’ve come to love as legendary. I don’t need a big parade or all the fan fare. I’m not looking for my name on a plaque of a building. I just want to know in my heart that I gave it my best and that my presence here has touched and changed someone else’s life for the better.
Playing bigger than we who are and growing into who we can be if done right will leave a lasting impact on this world. Be it in a family, the neighborhood or even in industry and that my friend is the stuff legends are made of.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your view.
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Don~
When people ask about defining moments for me, Multiple Sclerosis takes the cake. When I became bed-ridden, it provided lots of time to reflect. I was relieved to realize that I have created my life in a way to leave a legacy. Saying this I feel almost like I’m bragging. I’m not. I won’t go down in history as the famous musicians you talked about, but I’m grateful to know that God has blessed me with a positive nature and shown me the direction to travel to success.
~Linda
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Don Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 9:09 am
Linda,
This is the sort of thing I’m talking about. It’s the things we do in our everyday life that we have the opportunity to play at a higher level. How you live and grow through your walk with MS will shed so much light on others that have the same journey to walk. You will give others strength and hope and even though you may not get a great deal of fan fare you’re still leaving a legacy in your journey.
Thanks Linda!
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Don that is a great message. I sometimes feel like the game I have played is too small. I look at Robert Kiyosaki who I have known for a long time and can feel like I have done nothing in comparison. However I was part of bringing his education to the lives of many in Australia and New Zealand. I have read countless testimonies from people who have had lives changed through that time.
I am vowing to play a bigger game. The words from Marianne Williamson which start “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” always touch a core with me as I know I could step up. Thanks for reminding me.
Sue
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Don Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Sue,
It’s seems this can be a timeless message for all the ages. However, it’s one that most of us including me forget all too often. So, the musicians served as a reminder to me and I’m glad the message was a reminder for you. We all have so much untapped talent to do great things.
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Don my friend, really great video. Really great. And the timing is perfect. I’m actually in the midst of writing up my Legacy Statement with my coach! Atm it’s still notes, but as it forms, a blog post will arise so I’ll share it there.
And SO cool that you’ve been out and about seeing such amazing legends! I can relate to your experience seeing BB King. A few years back I went to see Bob Dylan….a packed house as you said, but he definitely sounded old!
Well my friend, I look forward to continuing our growth and evolution, and supporting one another in leaving worthy legacies.
Beth Allen recently posted..Lessons for Winning in Business & Life
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Don Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Thanks Beth,
I’ve been playing with the software on the computer and learning how to use it more effectively. I’m glad you liked it…I was pretty happy with it too.
Too funny…on the same page again
I’d love to read your blog post when you’ve finished the work you are doing. I’ll bet it will be amazing! I look forward to it soon.
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Don,
Leaving a legacy may seem like a far away thought, yet each and everyone of us has the potential to leave a legacy. I enjoyed hearing about all the great musicians you’ve met. Talk about leaving a legacy!
Val
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Don Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Val,
It’s hard to think about the sum total of our life but when you add it all the things we’ve done, the lives we’ve touched and the work we’ve done is the legacy we leave. Will we be satisfied?
Music can always provide some great inspiration besides the great entertainment.
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Don,
I really like the blog you have here and your message was great.
Keep up the great work and have an awesome day!!!
Karen
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Don Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Hi Karen,
Thanks for taking a moment and stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I look forward to a visit to yours shortly.
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Don,
Leaving a legacy is a topic that’s been rolling around in my mind a lot lately. “The Slight Edge”, by Jeff Olson, talks about stretching yourself and living life just beyond your own capacity. By doing this on a daily basis, you can move outside of the 95% where the masses live.
It is my desire to leave a legacy of a positive, “can do” attitude for those who live with disability. I hope they will glean from my example the power of finding fulfillment and joy in the areas of life where they have strength.
I have some powerful legends in my life. Their deaths were a blip in the local news of the day, but their lifetime examples impact me everyday!
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Don Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Hi Darlene,
You are on a great path and the example you are setting is wonderful. I know you are having an impact on others and will leave a legacy!
You go girl!
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Hi Don,
What a great reflection on the concerts that you got to see this summer. Very cool to here about all the people that you met in the bands.
B.B. King…WOW!
Can’t wait to read your next post.
~ Tim
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Don Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Tim,
Funny how some of life’s lessons appear to us. Thanks for stopping by.
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Don
I have been reflecting on this topic also lately when asked if people where giving speeches at my funeral what would I be wanting them to say about me and what I had done with my life. Morbid yes but made me reflect on just what it is that I have done with my life. I feel I have not yet done what I need to to leave a legacy and wonder what I am waiting for. I don’t want my first 50 years to be for nothing so I am taking the tack that I have been learning all that I need to start making my legacy and since I am 50 soon then i better start creating my legacy in the coming next 50.
So watch this space.
Belinda
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Don Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Hi Belinda,
I have had the opportunity to go through the exercise you talk about. Sitting down to write the speech someone will give at your eulogy is a very interesting experience. You certainly don’t want to appear to have lived a dull life. I remembered it allowed me to really expand my thinking of where I wanted to go in life.
I’m sure you have left some great sign posts in your first 50 as you say and I know you will be leaving many more along the way. I’ll be on the lookout.
Thanks Belinda!
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Don, leaving a legacy is not something I have given much thought to lately, but maybe I should. I like to focus on living in the present and living life to its fullest, making every day count and I hope to make a difference that way. I feel my path will eventually take me back to Africa to complete my mission helping schools. Maybe that will be my legacy?
Louise
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Don Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Louise,
I really don’t spend a lot of time dwelling on it but from time to time I like to reflect on where I’m going. Living in the present and doing your best every day will certainly lead you on the path to great accomplishment.
It sounds to me like you’ll be making a trip back to Africa to complete what your heart called you to earlier. Good for you.
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Hi Don, you certainly know how to get the thinking going, don’t you? Great post!
Three or so years ago I had a double heart bypass to sort out 2 blocked arteries. I was 49 then. I did not even suspect that I had a problem, which was discovered during an insurance medical.
One of the blocked arteries was the major one running down the left of the heart, cardiologists often affectionately refer to it as the “widow-maker” – self explanatory.
I believe that I was guided to the medical & subsequent successful surgery by divine higher powers, in order to spare me for something I need to do.
Since then I have thrown myself into life & everything it offers with everything I have to give. I believe that I am creating a legacy, one day & one person at a time. I certainly know that I am trying my best!
Thank you for offering me the opportunity to share this here, something I have not done so outside my immediate circle of family & friends.
Stay Inspired!
Michael
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Don Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Michael,
Thank you or sharing an intimate part of your story. I’ve heard that people having a tremendous experience like yours really approach life very differently as the move forward. Touching people on a daily basis and living one day at a time can create deep focus on your mission. Kudos to you.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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Hi Don
Boy, You are always thinking aren’t you? This is a really tough question for me. For many years, I would have said that my children were my legacy. But, then, I wonder if people can be your legacy or if they are their own legacy. Does a legacy have to be something big or can it just be the little things that we do every day?
Very thought provoking post Don! My head will be swimming for some time to come!
Mentor Mama
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Don,
Thank you for this post. Summer is a great time for reflection and getting in touch with our hearts. Music, artists, get us in touch with our vision, our greater purpose.
We all have the opportunity to leave a legacy. We do this one thought at a time, one moment at a time, one person at a time. Do what you love and it all falls in place.
Making a difference, living your passion is everything.
Keep it up Don!
Faith
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Don Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Thanks Faith,
It sounds like have hit the nail on the head. Building a legacy doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the little things you do on a daily basis and the lives you touch along the way that will bring about the creation of your legacy.
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I am so happy to read this. This is the kind of info that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this beneficial content.
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Don Reply:
September 11th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Thanks, I’m glad that you found it refreshing. Thanks for commenting.
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Even if I’m in my early 20’s, I want to see myself as an instrument to change the lives of others. In a way that every business that I’ll establish from now on must at least give others the opportunity to grow and to improve themselves. For me, it’s very fulfilling to see them happy with the opportunities that will come along there way. Hopefully, I could really do this plan soon…
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Don Reply:
September 23rd, 2010 at 6:28 am
Hi Cole,
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
Setting yourself up with the vision to be an instrument of change for the betterment of peoples lives is great step toward leaving a legacy.
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Cole Stan Reply:
October 1st, 2010 at 2:09 am
You’re right Don, but I must admit that it’s very difficult to start everything. Especially if people around you don’t believe on you, in everything you do. Well, who cares right? As long as you have that heart to help others in order to start building a legacy. I think that’s the most important thing everybody should know.
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