I was thinking how my blog content switched gears once I learned I was pregnant. Most my posts were dedicated to pregnancy updates and nutrition through pregnancy, and now I am making everyone crazy with baby updates.
I swear I will not always be posting about baby and our family, but my roles have changed so naturally content will be a little different. Don’t worry I will still be posting on running and nutrition, as well as recipes, as these are important parts of my life. I just can’t hide the fact that being a wife and mom are important as well.
With that being said, I thought I would leave you with some thoughts for the weekend. I have been thinking a lot lately about legacies. We remember those motivational speakers in high school that spoke on leaving a legacy and “What will your legacy be?” Well lately, I was thinking of what I have accomplished or lack thereof, and how I will be remembered.
I tend to base my “legacy” off of how much I have accomplished, so in other words works. Sometimes I think this sets us up for failure. I don’t think we are remembered for all the things we have accomplished. Yes, big achievements in our lives will be remembered by others to some extent. This could include being president of the U.S., a successful CEO or business man, owning a successful business (Steve Jobs), winning the Olympics, graduating with a Masters or Ph.D etc.
But then lets be honest, do we remember every President’s name, or remember who won the Olympic gold at the 1980s Olympics in the 400 meter dash. Sure, there are some people who do remember these things, but let’s be real people most of us don’t. However, you do if that person left an impacting impression on your life, not because of their Olympic gold, but because of who they were.
Yes, I knew that Prefontaine was an accomplished runner, but I remember him more for his attitude on and off the track. His courage and faith he had in himself. How he treated others, and what others spoke about him. All these things created his legacy. He left a legacy of determination and sacrifice behind.
Yes Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States, but I remember him more for his character and devotion to our country. His respect for others and his country, his skill and brains. He left a legacy of integrity, devotion and strength behind.
Some may remember my marathon times or my awards from races, but I what to be remembered for more then just this. Others will remember my character, whether good or bad, my ability as a mother, my actions towards other, etc.
I have decided all my accomplishments in running aren’t as important as how I portrayed myself while competing. I don’t mean physically either. What is meant by this is how I treated other competitors, my attitude and actions towards others and myself, my character.
My legacy as a mother is not determined by how many times I forgot to change a diaper, or skipped bath time, or missed a soccer game, or bought take out for dinner, or used a curse word. My legacy as a mother is determined on how many times I said “I love you,” how many times I prayed for my child, how many times I sacrificed my time, wants and needs for them, how many times I asked for forgiveness, and how many times I was present in their lives.
I guarantee our children won’t remember all the little things we forgot as parents. What they will remember is how loved we made them feel, our hugs and kisses, our words of encouragement, our discipline. They’ll remember all the games we did attend, the safety and security they felt, the warmth of our touch, the gentleness in our voice. They will also remember how who treated others and what we said about others.
So I guess I am saying that, yes I want to be remembered as a runner, but a runner who was determined and motivated, and had no limits. And yes I want to be remembered as a wife and mother, but not as a wife and mother who could bake the best cookies and prepare a mean potato medley for her husband (although that’s okay too š ), but more importantly as a loving, sacrificing, God-loving, and encouraging mom and wife. I want to leave a legacy of love, sacrifice, faithfulness and commitment behind.
It takes time to build a legacy and you can start any time. Everyday we need to live with intention, but also remember that we are flawed and will make mistakes. There will be days when it’s easier said then done, but all the good moments will far outweigh the bad, thus will be remembered more.
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
How do you want to be remembered? What legacy are you going to leave behind?