As you journey through life leave an imprint of love behind. Let your legacy be one of love, kindness and compassion.
After we are gone, people don’t remember what we had. They don’t think about the that house we lived in, or anything about our material wealth, or lack thereof. What they remember is how they were treated and how they felt after each encounter with us.
When you live a life with kindness and compassion, you show love to the world. Think about the times when you felt ignored, bullied, or made fun of. How did it make you feel? Now, think of a time you were shown kindness, even if only the smallest amount. How did that make you feel? Now, who would you rather spend time with, the person who made you feel good, or the one who didn’t? Keep this in mind as you journey throughout your day. Always look for opportunities to make others feel good.
Children are an imprint of our love, as are their children. When we raise children with love, we show them how to treat others. Our children hopefully mirror this, in turn doing the same. While we can’t always make their choices for them, we can show them what love looks like. The hope is always that they will live honest, loving lives. Teaching them how to treat others with respect, thoughtfulness and love is one of our biggest jobs. Children are our biggest legacy to the world.
Think of it this way, you don’t attend a funeral to pay respects to someone who makes, or made, you feel lousy, you attend for those who make, or made, you feel good. It is the rare occasion that someone goes to see a bully buried. When that does happen, attendance is out of anger and hatred, emotions to be left behind before they fester and grow.
There are many ways to leave an imprint of love behind. Helping or visiting an elderly neighbour who has no, or little, company is one way. It shows that you care about them, and that they are not alone in this world. There are so many seniors who have no one and could use a little kindness and love in their lives. Some have children who are far away and cannot visit easily. If you can’t find someone in your area, call a local retirement centre and ask if there is anyone who is alone that could use some company. Visit with them, read a book, go for a walk with them. While this is harder these days, there are still small things that you can do. Send flowers, a card, something, to show them that someone is thinking of them.
Volunteer at a charity who helps the community. This is another way to shine the light of love. Everyone the charity touches is impacted by your act of kindness. Let someone go ahead of you in line, open the door for someone who has their arms full, offer your services for free to those who can’t afford them. The list goes on. It doesn’t always have to be a large visible act, the small ones are just as important.
When you look at the world with eyes of love, you will see love. If you live by acts of love, you in turn, will feel, and receive more love. Focus on these and not on their negative counter parts. When you do this you will find that your life can, and will, be very rewarding. This doesn’t mean you can ignore, or turn a blind eye toward acts of violence. Everyone must stand up for what is right.
Standing up for what is right is an act of love in itself. It is an act of love for all the repressed, bullied and often oppressed people. The people you are supporting and standing up for will remember you. People in need always remember those who stood for, and with, them. The world can be a better place if everyone stands up for what is truly right.
Every time you show love to another person you shine your light out into the world. Every act of kindness, or compassion, shines your light just a bit brighter each time. Show the world who you are, let them see your light, your love. Don’t be surprised when people are drawn to your light. People want to be around those who make them feel good. After all, don’t you want to be around people who make you feel good?
You have a great capacity for love. It is up to you to show this love to the world. I believe we are a reflection of Gods’ love. When we show our love to the world, the world in turn sees Gods’ love for us. Living by the rule ‘love one another as you would be love’ is the strongest one out there. If everyone did this, there would be no wars, no famine, no racism, no segregation. Also, there would be no hatred, no violence, no theft. There would only be love, kindness and compassion. The world would be a glorious place to live.
Live your life however you choose. The choice is always, and will always be, yours. Just keep in mind, others will remember you for the way you make them feel, today, tomorrow, forever. Knowing this, why would you choose anything but kindness, compassion and love?
Whoever you are, wherever you are, I hope you choose to leave an imprint of love behind.
Free inspirational or motivational posts can be found on the inspirational page of my website.