The Legacy Drawing Board

What is the effort, attention, and work you are putting into building your legacy?  Artists pour their blood, sweat, and tears into their body of work.  Your legacy demands the same focus and energy for you are an artist with a story to tell.  

Are you trying to control the narrative of your story?  Or, are you seeking freedom to explore where your story goes?  Excessive control limits and harms relationships.  Freedom represents mutual respect when building a relationship.  Remove the burden of attempting to control your legacy and embrace the gift of freedom to design it.  

We want to tell our story.  However, when our health is compromised, we lose direction of the narrative and transition from writer to bystander.  The relationships we build and the consistency of our voice will enable others to speak for us when we can no longer speak for ourselves.  One of the vital functions your legacy carries out is to be your surrogate decision-maker when you are incapacitated.  

Stan Lee changed storytelling in comic books.  He elevated the medium from funny pages to graphic novels.  He shine a spotlight on the writers, artists, letters, and colorists by starting the credit box.  His legacy improved storytelling and inspired generations to be storytellers. 

Family stories connect past generations with future ones.  Family stories increases our vision and understanding of those close to us.  Ask to hear stories from family members and you will increase your sense of self.  Tell your story to family and you will expand their world.  

Mentorship occupies an unique place in relationship dynamics.  It's singular attribute that distinguishes it from counseling, coaching, advocacy, or sponsorship is the primary focus on protection.  A mentor's main goal is to protect the mentee.  Once that goal is achieved, then the mentor can proceed with other pursuits.  However, with the foundation of protection and trust, this specific relationship cannot advance.  You can't teach batting to a player if he is afraid of being hit by the pitch.    

Fables, legends, and epics have inspired us throughout the ages.  We have handed down these stories to the next generation.  Listen to start thinking of your legacy in grander scale.  This perspective will strengthen the impact of your story in order that future generations will be able to appreciate its full value.  

What you fight for and when you fight contributes to your legacy.  How you engage in conflict is a reflection of your leadership, how you value relationships, and the story you want to tell.  

Money talks.  When people see your stewardship of your earnings, what is the message being delivered?  How we view and spend our money is a large part of legacy.  Are you working to leave your children an inheritance or a legacy?

The delicate balance between power and authority must be maintained to build a legacy of trust and positive impact.  Authority without power are words spoken in an empty forest.  Power without authority is a deafening roar that severs bonds.  How you wield your power will determine the direction and depth of your legacy.