Life is no brief candle

There's a really thoughtful post on creating a legacy at Anna Farmery's Engaging Brand site.  (One of many short, engaging and thought provoking pieces that she manages to post at least daily: something to aspire to there...) 

She's talking about the way we express values through the development of a personal brand:

You may not be driven by money - like me maybe it is your personal values and the creation of value in the world. The biggest reason for me to know and live by a personal brand, is that I want to ensure that I live my life to my values, I want to create my legacy as I go...so there are no regrets when I close my eyes for the final time....

The idea of creating your legacy as you go along rather than waiting to the end is a very powerful one.  And it's not something that is limited to a brand.  It's the choices we make in life.  The roads taken. Things we stand up for.  Words spoken.  Lives touched.   Not just the big things but the small stuff too.  An outstretched hand of friendship.  Random acts of kindness. 

And it is what what I mean by stories: the ones we live, the ones we tell, the ones we leave behind.

All of which reminds me of a fabulous quote by George Bernard Shaw:

"Life is no brief candle to me.  It is a sort of splendid torch that I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

Comments

[Emma 'love life in Italy' Bird]

Hi Joanna

Just wanted to say that I really enjoy this blog, especially this post linking to creating a legacy on Anna Farmery's site.

I believe it's really, really important to live life passionately and to be true to yourself. There's no way I intend to leave this planet with wishes outstanding.

Thanks for the inspiration!
Emma

[Joanna Young]

Hi Emma

Thanks for this lovely feedback - and for being the first person to comment on my new blog!

Hope to see you again soon

Joanna

[Anna Farmery]

Hey thanks for the shout out - a great book on it is by Robert Galford who I interviewed on the podcast - I think it was Show 38 of The Engaging Brand.

He said something during that interview that stayed with me...every minute of every day you are creating your legacy. When you think of it like that - wow, it changes your focus and your passion for ensuring that your legacy is one that you are proud of!

Thanks again
Anna Farmery - The Engaging Brand

[Joanna Young]

Hi Anna, no problem - your post on creating a legacy really struck a chord with me and clearly other readers too.

I'll check out the Galford reference - thanks.

Joanna