Leaving a Legacy

The last few months have been a wake-up call. Globally, we are battling an invisible virus that seems to be preying on older people, and those with pre-existing conditions. In one fell swoop, COVID-19 has changed life as we know it. Lockdown orders and social distancing will continue to be a way of life until a viable cure is furnished. Everything we prioritised before March, like going out to restaurants, visiting a movie theatre, partying with friends, celebrating weddings, etc now seems to be a distant dream. It feels like everything is out of our control including the health and wellness of people we love. The only thing that is getting most of us through this is having someone we love close to us. It is thus a natural thought that in the post-COVID-19 world we will focus less on consumption and more on wellbeing and fostering good relationships with the people we hold close to our hearts.

Before the pandemic, every one of us was participants in a rat race. To have the best careers, to earn the most money, to settle down at the ‘right’ age, to be quoted in newspapers, and when all that gets ticked off, we create a new list of things to accomplish before a certain age sets in. It felt like we all had to excel within a specific time frame, whatever it took to get there. What most people don’t realise until it is too late is that chasing the dream is not worth it when we put everything aside just to get there. Late nights in the office, networking like crazy, schmoozing for attention instead of focusing on simpler things like enjoying your family, appreciating what you already have, waking up with no pressure of trying to outrun everyone else. Which path sounds better? Living in lockdown has shown us there is so much we don’t need, so why do we keep wanting more?

For those of us who are privileged, it is clear that this time is for family. For your kids, your parents and grandparents. We are using this time to get to know each other without the distraction of a busy life. We are assembling in the kitchen to make food together, then sitting down to eat together. In our daily lives, we probably don’t give each other that much time. This has been a time of thinking, for realising that we don’t all live forever, that the relationships we have now, should be enjoyed now. This especially with people like our grandparents who we only have for a limited time with us.

Your kids will have a special relationship with your parents. There is nothing more joyful than the bond shared between grandparent and grandchild. It is pure, it is innocent and let’s be honest, your parents are in all likelihood much more tender with your child than they were with you in your childhood and it is quite a sight to see. This is the time for all of us to think about what kind of a legacy we want to leave behind for future generations. Is it really necessary that a high income is the only acceptable income? Is it so important that we live in the right address? Is it so important that we teach our children that the only way to be successful is to earn lots of money, marry at the right time, and keep growing our fortunes? Are we really going to use this time to impart to encourage a ‘me’ mentality instead of a ‘we’ community? It is time to appreciate what we have. But the only way for the world to be a better place is if we play an active role in bettering it. Yes, it is essential to have security, but when did we start justifying excesses as security? We are at a defining point in our lives, a time where we can evaluate a better meaning for our legacy. Use this time to set an example to your kids, to encourage them to give back to those who are in need. If every one of us, set aside a small amount to donate or even giving an hour or two every week in volunteering, the world would be much better for it.

Teach the people around you how to be kind, how to find meaning in altruism, while also being able to enjoy life. If you are the head of your family, take the time to demonstrate giving back to those in need. Use every special occasion – be it a birthday, a wedding or any milestone to give back to those in need. When you do this regularly, you invite future generations to follow through. Because in giving back, there is a feeling of satisfaction that no material object can give you. To get loved ones more invested, encourage them to align with a cause they believe in. Maybe it is animal welfare, or a women’s shelter, or a kitchen that feeds the poor. Whatever it is that strikes a chord is what they should immerse themselves wholeheartedly into. At this point, you probably should redirect any efforts in donating and volunteering to COVID-19 relief measures as that is the need of the hour. But when times are better, your kids and grandkids can adopt a cause you love.

Thanks to technology, you don’t have to do any heavy lifting if you don’t want to or perhaps due to time constraints are unable to do. You can use platforms like ours to donate money directly to an NGO of your choosing. The process is very straightforward and is a perfect remedy for parties, events and celebrations if your motto is not to receive gifts. You can let your guests know they can donate directly to an NGO, via a link you create for a specific cause. It is that simple and also eliminates the pressure of fretting over what gift to buy for the host.