Legacy

When my daughter Patricia recently posted a "running" picture with the caption "if #runningshield can do it I can do it too #trailrunning",  I thought it would be cool if my daughters could pick up the running bug as I did and pass on the torch to them so to speak.  It also got me thinking long and hard about my life, my journey thus far and the legacy that I would like to leave behind especially to the two people I love the most.  I am not thinking of the financial or material aspect here but more of a personal legacy.  How would I like to be remembered? Am I living the life that reflects the legacy I would want to leave behind? 

My prayer is that my daughters will remember that I loved and accepted them for who they are, and supported them in all that they can be.  I want them to believe that they can accomplish anything they work hard for and never doubt in their ability to do great things not just for themselves but for others.  I hope they realize that they and they alone control their own destiny by staying true to their own heart and not let the pressures of those around them squeeze them into their mold.  Likewise, they should also never be afraid to make mistakes and more importantly, rise above them.  

Never be afraid to have a crazy desire to embrace the moment; to laugh out loud or dance in the rain and never fail to look for the silver lining in life’s darkest clouds.  I want them to seek joy for themselves; to discover their passion as I have - be it Running, Biking, Dancing, Teaching or Writing - and find in it a sense of fulfillment and purpose.  In other words, I want them to run their own race, to stay focused and not let others control them or put them down;  to never hold back on their dreams and find a way to make it happen.  

Just believe in yourself and pursue your passion as I did....such is the legacy I hope to leave behind.