Legacy. Legacy. Legacy. Dove, Prince, and my grandson Coen speak of legacy. Legacies are around me, and I cannot seem to escape this theme. I am very aware that it is something I need to pay attention to right now. After the devastating and tragic events of the Orlando nightclub, I also am aware that age has nothing to do with being mindful of your own personal legacy.
I believe it is time for reflection, a time to check in with the internal aspect of our nature – that internal aspect of self that doesn’t lie and is always connected to source. Even when we are not in touch with it, we are connected.
We are guided to think about our purpose when we hear of the beautiful and inspiring stories of those who have left an incredible legacy. It is our nature to want to make an impact – a difference – a discovery of why we are here. The only way to become aware is to spend time reflecting about what you would like to be remembered for? When you leave a room, do you leave people feeling better or worse than when you entered the space? What is it about you that makes people want to spend time with you or away from you? If you had one quote or sentence to be remembered for, what would it be?
I personally have spent countless hours through the years reflecting and thinking about this. I began my legacy work years ago when I started volunteering with Hospice and sat with beautiful souls in the last stretch of their homeward journey. I love this tender assisting because I am invited into an honored and sacred space to witness another’s life in the most humbling of ways. People tell me their stories, and I transcribe them for their family members. It is more beautiful than anything I could ever imagine. It has brought me to my knees many times. I find a new birth to be very much the same experience.
In April I was honored to become a grandmother, for the first time, to a beautiful little boy – Coen Michael. Needless to say, he stole his grandmother’s heart at first sight. I know this is an honored role I now hold, and I pray for guidance and give thanks for this high honor. Grandparents are the wisdom keepers I was told; they teach children the old ways and pass on truths for posterity. As you can imagine, I hopped to order. I first thought about my name; names are important because they hold energy, and I have deep reverence for my new role. So I contemplated what to be called for quite a long time; it is the name I will be called by all of my grandchildren. My daughter came up with “Gigi” for Grandma Goheen, and it fits like a glove for me.
Legacy. I can assure you it’s not about the stuff you leave behind or what you have to offer people materially; those are replaceable items. It is who you are and what you stand for that are remembered. If you had one day left and you wanted to be sure to imprint on the hearts of those you love, what would your imprint be? That is my question for you.
It’s not complicated if you know yourself in the truest form. Do not let your ego run your life and get in your way. Allow yourself reflective moments now, and you will hear your answer to the question, “What is my legacy?”
Stay the course and know you are loved. – Gigi
The legacy of Prince is rich and abundant with symbolism, and the connection that we have with his song “When Doves Cry” can be simply stated within the legend and lore of the dove itself: “The song of this totem tells you to mourn what has passed, but awaken to the promise of the future. It is a bird of prophecy and can help you to see what you can give birth to in your life.” Click here to read more.
To learn more about the Legacy work I do with individuals please click here.