Legacy: Celebrating a Life Well Lived

Living Your Legacy: Tears, Tales & Truths

This past weekend, I attended my aunt's celebration of life, and it was a beautiful, intimate event filled with memories that she would have loved immensely. Tables adorned with photo albums and cherished items from her life sparked joy—her favorite books, games, the whistle from her days as a lifeguard and swim instructor, her treasured Christmas Santa's and angel decorations, and, most importantly, the presence of family and close friends. As we shared stories and reflected on her life, I was reminded of the concept of living your legacy and why it has become my motto & mission.

I thought I would share some of the highlights of my reflections these past few weeks, as I believe they may resonate with this community.

Gifting Experiences Before It Was a Trend

Long before gifting experiences became a trend, my aunt and uncle were masters at it. Birthdays and Christmases were never just about material gifts; they were opportunities for exploration and adventure. Over the years, they created countless moments that became lasting memories.

One year, they organized a winter sleigh ride for the entire family, a magical experience that we still talk about today. Another time, they took four young cousins on a trip to Toronto, where we spent the weekend visiting all the major tourist attractions. Fireworks for New Year's at the cottage.  Finding the biggest Christmas tree imaginable for the spiral staircase. Late night skating on the pond by lantern light.  These weren't just activities; they were adventures that brought our family closer together. 

My parents often went interior camping with my aunt and uncle, returning with fun (child-appropriate) stories from their escapades. Whether it was a close-to-home adventure or a journey to a new city, the experiences they gifted were always thoughtfully planned and executed with love.

It sparked my own love of sharing such activities with friends and family.  When I was 16, my aunt helped me plan a surprise winter getaway to celebrate my mom's birthday at the cottage.  I was so proud of myself, for organizing all the logistics. But best of all was witnessing my mom's pure happiness with quality family time. My aunt inspired this, but also supported my crazy notion and gave me the confidence to take action.

A Life Filled with Adventures

My aunt filled her life with adventures, not just through travel but also through her everyday activities. She loved exploring the world, but she also found joy in the pages of a good book. Her library was meticulously curated, reflecting her diverse interests and passions. Her garden, much like her life, was a testament to her love for beauty and nature, carefully tended and bursting with life.

Curating a Life of Memories

In many ways, my aunt curated her life the same way she curated her library and garden. She created moments of joy and beauty, weaving them into the fabric of her everyday existence. These moments became the legacy she left behind—a legacy of love, adventure, and thoughtful living.

Living Life Fully Every Day

Reflecting on my aunt's life has inspired me to think about how we can all live our legacies every day. It's about more than just the big moments; it's about finding joy in the little things, creating meaningful experiences, and living with intention. Here are a few ways to start living your legacy today:

1. Gift Experiences: Whether it's a family outing, a trip, or simply a shared activity, focus on creating memories rather than giving material gifts.
2. Explore New Adventures: Embrace opportunities to try new things, whether it's traveling to a new place, reading a new book, or starting a new hobby.
3. Curate Your Life: Like my aunt's garden and library, cultivate your surroundings and activities with care and intention, making space for what truly brings you joy.
4. Create Moments: Look for ways to create small, joyful moments in your everyday life. These moments add up to a life well-lived.

Reflecting on Your Legacy

As you go about your week, take a moment to reflect on these questions:

1. What experiences have brought you the most joy, and how can you create more of them?
2. How can you start living your legacy today, creating meaningful moments and memories?

Celebrating a life well-lived is about more than looking back; it's about living fully in the present and creating a legacy of joy, love, and adventure every day. Let's honor the memory of those we've lost by embracing the beauty of life and making each day count.

Jennie 💜

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts and reflections on living your legacy. Share your stories in the comments below or on social media & tag me @jennie_queen.