Leaving Your Mark: Why Are You Here?

Here’s a scary question: If you died today, who would remember you and why?

This whole dilemma plays out perfectly as a repetitive dream of mine; a tablet of time in hand, standing directly in between two warring worlds, cue the excessive fan for my hair in the wind, but only this time add the soundtrack of Beyonce’s “I Was Here” from 4.

It’s the perfect song.  Beyonce’s life aspirations are belted out into 4 minutes, in the simplest form of all.  Excluding money, fame, and recognition, she is most remarkably, (human even,) hopeful for memory.  Is the drive to be remembered not our single-most desire that propels us to long for love, friendships, family, and public acknowledgment?

♫ I want to leave my footprints on the sands of time

Know there was something that meant something that I left behind

When I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets

Leave something to remember, so they won’t forget

I was here ♫ 

Many people begin the search for their “I Was Here” moment through fame.  Problem is, there are plenty of celebrities who have millions in the bank, thousands of fans, hundreds of fancy materials, and no one to tell their inner-most beautiful stories of laughter, love and light after they’re gone.

♫ I want to say I lived each day until I died

And know that I meant something in somebody’s life

The hearts I have touched will be the proof that I leave

That I made a difference and this world will see

I was here ♫ 

 Whether or not your dream job is to raise a family or to feed a nation, it should always begin with self-respect.  Self-respect starts with you loving your true self, and allowing others to do the same.  Even if you’re afraid others will judge you; if you’re worried people will ridicule you; or if you’re terrified some won’t accept you as an equal.  If all that you do ends with you carrying yourself with respect, you’ll know you’ve done your job when it’s all said and done.  Never jeopardize what you have for what you can have; there should always be a compromise.  The grass may even be greener on the other side, but will your new neighbors water your lawn when you’re away?

Live Civil.