What We Leave Behind: Life Reflections & Legacy
- Details
- Written by Cheryl Richardson

It was a cold day here in the Northeast when I opened the shutters and discovered the world covered in white.
I shook my head and thought, it’s the first day of spring and with the warmer temps last week, I thought for sure winter was done. But then I remembered our friend, Ileen. If Ileen were here she’d yell, “Queen, look!” as soon as the shutters were opened. “It’s a magic wonderland!” (She gave me the nickname Queen years ago)
Excitement was Ileen’s superpower. She could get excited about anything – a pale winter sky, an old song on the radio, the specials at a restaurant, or how oat milk turned to foam when added to her tea. This morning, as I thought about how she’d react to the snow, I realized that Ileen’s voice in my head is her most potent legacy.
When we lose someone we love, it doesn’t take long to notice that life goes on. When my dad died, for instance, I remember thinking it strange that a man who was larger than life could fade into the background of conversations within weeks. I had the same experience earlier when Debbie Ford passed in 2013. She was such a prominent figure in the self-help field and shortly after her passing, I took note when the news died down and life went on.
This observation was a wake-up call. Contrary to what society would have us believe, what we accomplish during our lives may be far less important than how we live on in the hearts and minds of others. Or, as I learned in my coach training decades ago, the “who” always comes before the “what.”
You might cure a disease, publish bestselling books, or invent a product that transforms the world, but at the end of the day, these accomplishments will slip into history books to be revisited now and then. What endures is the essence of those we’ve loved, how they made us feel, the wisdom they shared that carries us forward, or the lessons we learn from what they did or didn’t do.
Debbie’s death shifted my perspective about legacy and it continues to hold true. Who I am in everyday interactions is far more important than the success I’ve achieved. Being patient and present with people, being honest and real, helping when I can, or emulating the positive qualities I miss in those I’ve lost. These may be the most valuable endowments of all.
So today I claim my inheritance from Ileen. I’m excited about the snow and the cold, the way blueberries turn yogurt purple, and how winter days give us a chance to look forward to spring.
Your turn. What are you excited about today?
Love,
Cheryl
© 2024 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved. Hidden tracking code is embedded for monitoring purposes. We employ sniffer technology to track all IP addresses. Please note that using a Proxy/VPN/Tor will not conceal your IP address. The title for this article was created by CrystalWind.ca. If this article is duplicated from our website and/or our title is utilized, we will be alerted and will take necessary action.
Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!
Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below!
Latest Articles

Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!
Epilepsy - Finding A Cure
Your donation can make a difference!
Help us find a cure – donate now!
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Follow Us!
Featured This Month
The Hawthorn Tree - May 13 - June 9
The Hawthorn Tree – May 13 to June 9 In Celtic tree astrology, the Hawthorn ... Read more
Crystal Gem: Grids and Gridding
What are Crystal Gem Grids? They are tools for empowerment, for blessings, ... Read more
Sun in Gemini
Sun in Gemini May 21 through June 20 An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristic... Read more
A Simple Summer Solstice Ritual with Crystal…
June 20, 2016 is this year’s summer solstice, marking&n... Read more
Litha Sabbat - The Summer Solstice
Gardens are blooming, and summer is in full swing. Fire up the barbeque, turn ... Read more
Litha - The Midsummer Solstice
The Litha festival is one of the lesser Sabbats of the Witches annual calend... Read more
Deer Medicine
The Deer holds a revered place in Native American traditions, embodying a powe... Read more
Rutilated Quartz
The Energy Buster Stone Rutilated Quartz is an illuminator for the soul, pr... Read more
Gemini Mythology
The Legend Behind the Gemini Zodiac Sign The roots of constellation stories... Read more