Life; "Your Platform for Legacy"

"We don't have control of when we die...but we have control over how we want to be remembered"

I came across this quote on one of my Netflix & Chill dates. I could not help but ponder on and seek deeper meaning into the great gift of existence; life.

We are all privileged to have life. Unfortunately, not everyone is privileged enough to maximise the gift and leave a lasting positive impact in the world. The saying "when there is life, there is hope" simply explains that the opportunities to live and create such impact even after we are gone, are endless.

I like to view life as an opportunity to showcase your skills and talents on a stage with a large audience and limited time. As for the impression you leave behind; the parts of you they take with them after the show and long after you are gone is known to be your legacy.

While growing up, I perceived life from a selfish point of view and like many others, I lived with the "it's my life and I'll live it how I deem fit" mentality. Over time, I have adopted a more selfless approach because I have come to realise that for every word spoken and for every action taken, there is someone watching, being inspired, learning and basically being impacted.

We all have different ideologies of life and various ways to live it. Either way, we get caught up in the dynamics which bring about failure and success, hate and love, war and peace, religion and atheism. While we are living, it is important to leave a legacy as that is all that is left of us when we are gone. When my father passed on, it became more apparent that nobody takes their memories created,works and worldly possessions with them. It is all left behind.

There are a few aspects of life I feel that if one masters, their legacy can be assured.

Dream Big and aspire. However stupid or unrealistic your dreams may seem, remember that they are valid. Sometimes dreams can only be comprehended by the bearers due to the passion they wield. Once it becomes a success, it is understood by others.

Be Intentional about your actions and inactions. Like the performer on the stage, what memories do you want etched in the hearts of your audience?

Inspire with the words you utter. As the saying goes, "A tongue may have no bones, but it can break a heart". In the same manner, positive words are like water to a planted seed. They nourish the soul and provide hope to those in need.

When you identify what you want to be remembered for, do not give up. Persist until your purpose is fulfilled. The 99 times you failed can only account for those 99 times. They cannot account for the 1 time that you may succeed. My father often said "I made something out of nothing...what can you make out of something?".

We have all been given something; life. What can we make out of it? What will we leave behind? Your life after life is your legacy. How do you wish to be remembered?


Loretta Laoye

Edited by Sophi Odeyale