How do you want to be remembered in life?
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
Hunter S. Thompson
To Be Remembered in Life
I recently reviewed my life plan, an eight-page document I crafted a couple of years ago. It is a tool I used from the book Living Forward. At the beginning of the life plan, I wrote a self-eulogy statement that answers the question: How do I want my family and friends to remember me?
It may sound morbid to write a self-eulogy statement. On the other hand, it is inspiring to think about your life and how you want to live it right now, so people will remember you for the kind of life well lived that you so desire.
Both the quote by Hunter Thompson and the self-eulogy exercise are not so much about pondering our death, but rather an inspiring and motivating reflection on how we want to live our lives and take action right now.
The Legacy
A few characteristics of how I want to be known for living my life:
- Living on purpose
- Intentional
- Wholeheartedness
- Holding nothing back
- Inspiring and empowering others.
When my ride of life is over, I want to be thoroughly used up, knowing that I did not waste anything. I gave all of my life and did not hold back anything. I want to slide into the end of life with no regrets. Being mindful, intentional, loving, having a broad reach of generosity, compassion, service, and love toward others – this is how I want people to remember me.
What legacy will you leave? How do you want to be remembered? How are you living your life at full throttle, holding nothing back?
The Need for Pit-Stops
Balance and self-care are part of giving your all in life. Resting and nourishment are necessary so you can journey through the fullness of life for the long haul. Even race cars need pit stops, time to rest and recover, refuel, and re-charge.
Life is not about being perfect and having this sanitized, flawless body. No. Life is about being intentional, embracing and giving all, while experiencing the life tattoos (scars), all of it, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the wonderful. The point is to know you have lived life fully and with no regrets.
The Fullness of the Ride
Even as a risk manager, I am all about being thoroughly used up, scuffed up, scratched up, all from living life at full throttle, wholeheartedly. The desire is to hold nothing back and to exclaim with gratitude, “Wow! What a ride!” That is the intent of my life. The charge is to live that kind of intention right now, this day, this moment in time, and to be consistent in the process.
Savor the full meal deal of life, learn from the rough patches, and take time to notice the beauty along the way. Slide into the end of life thoroughly used up, knowing you have spent it all.
One Ride Only
We only get one ride in life. There’s no getting off until the end of it. You can’t change vehicles. You can choose what passengers you want to ride with you on the journey. How will you live this one, wild and precious life?
How do you want to live your life? What will your ride in life become? Where will it take you? How intentional will you be in getting there?
I look forward to your comments.
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