You Don’t Want Money Or Influence. You Want To Live A Life That Matters

“The quest for meaning is the key to mental health and human flourishing…

Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”

 — Viktor Frankl, A Man Search For Meaning

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People often ask me why?

Why do I write on Medium every day? Why do I record guided meditations? Why do I spend time putting out a newsletter on exploring consciousness and spiritual growth? Especially when I have plenty to do running my web design agency.

One day, it dawned on me: why do we do anything in life?

Typically when we pursue any endeavor, we are hyper-focused on the tangible rewards or benefits these pursuits will bring us— money, influence, recognition, a lavish lifestyle, etc. While these outcomes are seductive, there exists a deeper, more profound yearning that surpasses them all — legacy. 

But what really is legacy?

True legacy is not about accolades, grandiose accomplishments, or doing something outlandish to make history. Instead, it’s about that profound feeling of having lived a life that truly mattered. Yes, of course, all human lives matter and hold intrinsic value, but notice I used the word “feeling” in that sentence. We want to feel like our lives hold significance.

Because let’s face it, sometimes we forget. 

Sometimes, we find ourselves asking:“What’s the point?” And it’s understandable. During times of feeling stuck, unsatisfied, or even depressed, it’s all too easy to succumb to the belief that we’re merely going through the motions, trapped in a cycle of repetition where our daily actions hold no real significance.

But these moments reveal our true yearning.

Deep within, we harbor the burning desire to live with unwavering mental, emotional, and physical vigor, knowing that our time on this earth is valuable and stands for something greater. It is the energy of legacy that propels us forward, helping us endure life’s struggles and setbacks. Legacy stretches far beyond mere material gains and self-gratification — and besides love, it becomes the ultimate motivation. It transcends generations, resonates through the ages, and embodies the essence of a life well-lived.

Purpose + Meaning

At its core, legacy is about living a life of purpose and meaning. 

It is the understanding that our actions and contributions can shape the reality around us and the lives of others, inspiring and impacting people in ways we may never fully comprehend. Embracing the concept of legacy allows us to seek out endeavors that truly matter — actions that ignite a fire within us and resonate with those who walk the path beside us. It invites us to relish the sheer joy of being alive and to savor the profound impact we can have on the world simply by embracing our most authentic self.

Pause for a moment and consider the possibility:

Every choice you make, every endeavor you undertake, possesses the power to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Each new day presents an opportunity to share your wisdom, skills, and experiences, transcending the boundaries of time itself. In this digital age, the internet has gifted us with unparalleled reach, allowing our creations to reverberate across continents and touch countless hearts and minds. What we craft today can endure long after we bid farewell to this earthly plane, continuing to inspire, to heal, to change lives, and shape destinies beyond our mortal incarnation. As I compose these words, I find solace in knowing that even if fate were to call me away, my loved ones, friends, and people I never met would still have my words, ideas, and thoughts to cherish and draw strength from far into the future.

And that thought alone is what gives me goosebumps.

Start today contemplating your own legacy.

• What is the mark you wish to leave behind? 
• Imagine a world where you are no longer alive, and ponder how you want to be remembered. 
• What will others say about you at the time of your death?
• Does it capture the essence of your precious time spent on this earth?
• Does it align with how you want to be remembered?

These questions are not meant to instill fear or sadness. Instead, they’re an invitation to set your soul aflame, a catalyst to embark on a life of purpose, impact, and meaning.

When we focus on legacy as our guiding light, our choices take on new meaning. 

We begin to prioritize those pursuits that align with our core values and beliefs, where personal gain intertwines harmoniously with the enrichment of the lives of others. Our legacy becomes a testament to the virtues we hold dear, a tribute to the integrity and empathy that define our character.

So, as you move through life, let the concept of legacy be your North Star, guiding your every step toward a life of profound meaning. Know that every act of kindness, creativity, and inspiration you share will ripple through time, extending your influence far beyond the confines of your mortal existence.

Ultimately, legacy is the artistry of a life well lived…

A life devoted to touching other human hearts and leaving an enduring imprint. A life that, in the end, whispers to the world, “I was here, and my presence made a difference.”

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This Breathtaking Poem Will Renew Your Faith and Love For Life