Dear World,
What’s in a legacy? To be honest, my first thought was, what will people think of me after I die? Will my name and the things I’ve done be remembered and be spoken of in the rooms I occupied or dreamt of occupying in my waking life? We also tend to compare the works of one person against another and debate who was better in their field and their era of existence. It’s all posthumous, right?
I think that’s where most of us go wrong when speaking about legacies. Why don’t we think of and celebrate the legacies – regardless of how far along it’s already been built – of others in the here and now when they are alive? Don’t get me wrong, many Societies and collectives have done this by awarding lifetime achievement awards to living stars for their impact and work. However, more needs to be done because we still celebrate some only after they’ve left us behind.
Now that I’ve gotten my initial thoughts out the way, I can say I have no clue what I’d like to be named after me. It’s not something I’ve ever given much thought. My name isn’t the most unique on the planet, and though I have my special abilities and I shine brightly in my corner of the world, I am an average Jane living her life. So, what on this beautiful Earth could be so special that it’s named after me, a layperson?
As you might be picking up, I’m having a difficult time to sufficiently respond to today’s prompt.
When I think of something to be named after me, I start thinking of legacies. So, the question I have for myself is, “what legacy do I want to imprint in this world?” To be frank with you, I have no idea. Don’t get me wrong, I have my passions, and I associate myself with particular causes, but to say I know or even have an idea of what my response to the prompt question would be a lie.
I guess that’s something I’d need to think more about.
However, if I just had to say more than “I don’t know”, I’d probably say something pertaining to either:
- Blogging and writing – like a series of books and poetry used in literature classes
- This space has been around for a long time, and I proudly claim it as my own in all its depth and quirkiness. For consistent consumers of my writing, you’ve come to appreciate that I enjoy identifying the life lessons and learned lessons in everyday experiences which can help us all to lead better lives. As such, I hope to transform my writing from this blog and elsewhere into printed published work that gets used for reference in literature classes and quoted in other people’s work. Perhaps when people say ‘The Suburban Girl JA®’, I come to mind and some of the work I’ve done has been etched in your minds.
- An area of a recreational park dedicated to live music and poetry readings
- For the people who know me well on a personal level, it is appreciated that I enjoy live music in intimate spaces. I also enjoy artsy fartsy events and people. I also love a good green space. So, though I’m not a well-known writer, poet, or musician. I guess it would be nice to have a space suitable for hosting the artsy fartsy be named after me in my honour.
Outside of what I’ve already shared, I really don’t know. Again, I’ve never really put much thought into that part of my legacy. As of now, this blog and its tributaries sum up what I am, who I am, and gives an inkling as to naming something after me. I must say, however, that this is my legacy in progress, and I hope it inspires others to celebrate theirs while they’re alive – all through the life lessons and thought provoking, and funny pieces I’ve written.
I’d also like to add that today’s prompt response feels like a follow up to a completely different post I made earlier today where I talk about not being heard by others within a void and only having my echo bouncing around – wondering if I matter and if I’m making a difference. Please give it a read!
Echoes | Suburban Guest – Candice
In ‘Echoes,’ I reflected on what it means to be heard and seen in a world that often feels isolating. Though it carries many themes, there’s a resounding one that resonates with today’s prompt because it touches on the same desire to make a difference and leave a lasting impact.
That aside, I can leave you with this… please remember that a legacy doesn’t have to be identified in the posthumous, and naming something after you doesn’t have be after you pass away. It can be after you’ve done something great! What you do now and demonstrate great skill and excellence in today can be the start of your legacy. Your legacy begins now. It’s through what you build, share, and perfect while you’re alive.
Signed,
The Suburban Girl JA®
The Suburban Girl JA® 