Legacy

We all long to leave a legacy of some kind when we finally pass on. Some slog all their lives to build a legacy by delving into hard works and investing aggressively. While some fight for changes in age-old traditions within their culture to break out of the mould so that others within the community will live in freedom. Of course, freedom in this sense is perceived as a better life to live. So, it's all about 'setting up' a better life for the next generation or someone that we care for a great deal. Such is the common perception of legacy.

On the other hand, it is also of a pride exhibition, as it serves as proof that we have lived fruitfully on earth, it soothes the ego, and gives a peace of mind and heart that they've done their best in humane capability to help their loved ones live a better life. Little do they realise that while they are so busy building their legacies, they have forgotten that the next generation or those that they love are actually the legacies itself - it's not what has been passed on to, or what has been changed, but what has been invested into the younger generation lives to encourage the right behaviour and also the right approach to appreciate and be grateful in life.

Have the world yet to learn its lessons that the focus and attention has to be channelled to the next generation? Not with the actions of putting them aside while you slog for them by lipservicing this "I'm doing this for you". Prove does not come in just words, but by exemplary living. In the media, we read of tycoons' offsprings and other loved ones suffer in spite of having endless wealth and legacies. If only, the focus is on grooming the next generation and children since their tender age would have made the difference. Wth time spent and all that is well-imparted with by example as good parents, the children would live on appreciatively and gratefully of what is passed down to them in time to come.

Many people have a funny way of wanting the world to remember them as well by publishing their good works, their heartbreaks and all their sufferings via their biographies. This is surprisingly done before their lives come to a halt.

Surely it is not when we are living that we have passed all tests in life, but in how our lives end? Putting our best foot forward even from the beginning of life does not predict that we will have an empowering ending.

What kind of impact we want for the future is by exemplary living. What is the use of a 100% slogging and building an empire of wealth and breaking the moulds of traditions when we do not focus on the next generation? Such actions would surely teach the children that everything comes in monetary rewards? What has happened to cultivating love, affection, compassion and empathy? It all begins from the home, isn't it?

Riches in the forms of materialistic and reconstructed legacies are easily squandered off when children those of the next generation are not taught of it's value. Legacy itself in actual fact is how we treat others when we are alive, and this calls for focusing on the next generation. Be they our family, friends or our very own children.