Join me in this week's Weekend Engagement here on the Weekend Experiences community as I write on the topic
Remembered
What would you like to be remembered for? Explain in a post of 300+ words using photos you took personally where possible.
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Each of us wishes to leave an indelible mark on this enormous tapestry where we find ourselves known as life. Whether you admit it or not we want to leave a legacy that will outlast more than our mortal existence. We all yearn for strong conviction or assurance that our time spent on Earth was not in vain, that our activities somehow had far-reaching consequences individually or society at large.
Believe me I want that too. Most times when I think about what I want to be remembered for. Like a fountain unlocked, a plethora of goals begin to spring to me. As fate may have it, all my plethora of goals connect together with one profound goal which is making a positive influence in the lives of people. Here they are:
Compassionate commitment:
This particular goal I want to be remembered for is at the peak for my desired legacy. I want to one day when I'm gone be remembered as an individual who was compassionate and understanding. As an individual who in various ways impacted people's hearts and spirits with the little I've got.
Although we can't tell ourselves if we've been working to achieve that because it's the people around us that can tell us that truth, if we've been able to accomplish that. Maybe we can but deep within me I know in my own little efforts, that I try to be that beacon of light, illuminating the way for people who are lost or struggling in a society that is sometimes defined by our indifference and self-interest.
My aim is to give assistance to those people in need, listen to those who are hurt and grieving, be a comfort zone and provide consolation to those who really are in need of it.
Now how do I aim to achieve that?
To leave a legacy like that behind, it can be pursued in many different ways. It starts with a sincere wish to lessen the suffering of others. Those little acts of altruism and charity, whether it be by monetary donations to real deserving causes, or backing charitable organizations, or volunteering your time and resources. Those little acts that you think are worth nothing. Those acts that can break the camel's back.
A force for systemic change
Inequality and injustice are ingrained into the fabric of society. So aside from charitable gestures, I want to be remembered as a catalyst for systemic change. Trust me it will not always be easy fighting I justice and social wrongs. Ask people who've tried to leave a lasting legacy by contributing to the welfare of the planet on a larger scale. It wasn't always easy.
But this issue needs addressing. And by addressing I mean, aggressively addressing those critical challenges and fighting for transformative solutions. I want to be remembered for promoting love and nurturing relationships. I believe that relationships we have with each other can greatly enrich our lives. So whoever it is I cross paths with, I want to be remembered for that indelible mark of love I carved in their hearts.
I want to be remembered as someone that was a voice for the voiceless, an agent of progress for the downtrodden, whether I am fighting for human rights and social justice, or promoting more educational awareness and empowerment, sparking debates, questioning the status quo, and motivating collective action especially in Africa.
Never stop learning
In all though this might not really be classified as a legend to be remembered for but a dream. But I've always wanted to know more. Why?
A man who claims he knows it all might trample on others and still feel no remorse because he thinks that was the right thing to do. So in my quests above, I believe being open to learning everyday people's cultures or way of life can help me not to trample on them while thinking that I am rendering help to them.
I want to be remembered as that guys who never declined to understand how your culture or mindset of a particular set works.
Look, already our society is filled with deception and various moral uncertainties. But with honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior. By setting a good example, I hope to inspire others to follow suit and leave a mark that the generation to come will reap from its positive ripple effect.