What Will be My Legacy?

 Beyond any material things we leave behind  there will be our unique influences and actions  some of which we will not necessarily be  aware of – a word here, a helping hand there  may have been a big influence. Perhaps our  most importsnt legacy will be the way we have  lived our lives, the things we engender just by  being who we are and how we move through the world.

Even if through our working lives we have focused on a career, earning a living and bringing up children, as elders we can have the freedom to give our time, love and commitment to our community, friends and family. Much good is done quietly by folk who, out of care and gratitude, offer their time and energy for the good of the community. Look around at any charity or community activity and you will find the feet on the ground, child minding, serving in the charity shop, caring for the environment, lobbying the local council often belong to elders.

Local libraries often have volunteer listings, here in Devon the library service is a non-profit organisation that relies on volunteers. Most charities, food banks, environmental groups, etc, rely on voluntary help. Most councils also have voluntary organisation registers. From experience I would say that if you do decide to volunteer it is important to do that in an area that interests you for a couple of reasons: One, you are are likely to meet like minded folk and two, volunteering should be a two way process – we should enjoy!

Images from the Centre for Agein Better Image Library