“Who lives, who dies, who tells your story” – one of my favourite songs from the incredible musical Hamilton, and a powerful reminder that we don’t control how long we have, but we do have control over the story and the legacy we leave behind.

 

At some point in life, most of us will lose someone. Someone who made us smile. Someone we loved. Someone who left their mark in a way that changed or guided us – and maybe still is.

 

I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason – but there are some things I still can’t quite make sense of, like the people who were taken too soon.

But what grounds and fuels me is knowing that everyone leaves their footprint in the world and the way we live, love, and lead determines the legacy we leave for those to follow after us. They will keep the flame glowing bright.

 

Some people change the world through big movements and others through small acts of kindness – that change others world.

Perhaps we smiled at someone or gave them hope or inspiration at a time they needed it, or just for being “you” – and we may never have even known because sadly we don’t always tell people how much they mean to us or the impact they had on us – teachers, someone delivering great customer service, a hello or a smile when you passed them in the street when they hadn’t seen or spoken to anyone all week…it may have even been their first time out of the house in a while.

 

Something so small to you can be lifechanging for someone else. You might never know how deeply you’ve impacted someone. Maybe it was a teacher. Maybe it was a kind hello when someone hadn’t spoken to anyone all week. Maybe it was great customer service, or just a moment of being yourself that gave someone else hope.

 

Some legacies echo in stadiums, some echo in the way someone feels safe with you, but both are just as powerful.

Whatever it is you do in your life, you are leaving legacies along the way – when you leave a job, a relationship, a friendship.
And the legacy you leave might be more powerful than you ever imagined.

 

Legacy isn’t about fame or fortune. 
It’s the light your loved ones carry in their hearts.
It’s the inspiration that becomes someone’s north star.
It’s the kindness that becomes someone’s strength.
It’s the lighthouse that guides someone in their time of darkness.

It’s the shield of light that protect them

 

I always say Illuminate wasn’t built just by me; it was shaped by everyone I’ve met on the way. Some are still here. Some are now in the stars.
But each left something that helped light the path.

 

So, this blog is for them. For those who shine above us and continue to shape and guide us still – through memories, signs and light.

 

We’re creating a legacy every day.
Let it be one of kindness. One of courage. One that shines for others, even when you’re not in the room.

Jess
Founder of Illuminate & Coach