What Will You Be Remembered for?

“What will you be remembered for?” That was the theme of the message at the funeral of a colleague. “I don’t know how you live your life, but a day like this will come,” added the preacher. In the words of Brandon Lee, “Immortality is to live your life doing good things and leaving your mark behind.” Let’s reflect on what you would be remembered for.

Do you know that the impacts you make on people’s lives live beyond your time on earth? When people think of you, what readily comes to their mind? Is what comes to mind positive or negative? According to Devin Mehra, “It’s not what you say or what you do but how you make others feel.” As much as you may not wish, the reality about life is that a time will come where the words of Horatius Bonar, a song writer, will manifest: “Fading away like the stars of the morning; losing their light in the glorious sun — thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, only remembered by what we have done.” As Bonar continued, “Only the truth that in life we have spoken, only the seed that on earth we have sown; these shall pass onward when we are forgotten, fruits of the harvest and what we have done.” When people think of you, what comes to mind – virtues or vices? Are you known for peace or war, building a team or scattering, selflessness or selfishness, unnecessary accumulation of material wealth or passion to add value to others, supporting others to grow or closing doors of opportunities, etc. When you’re gone, the trail you leave behind is what will last.

So, enhance your capacity to live the life that positively impacts others, that leaves behind lovely memories, that creates in people’s heart a vacuum in your absence, and that makes people long to have more time with you. Reflect on your life and respond to Bonar’s questions: “Shall we be miss’d though by others succeeded, reaping the fields we in springtime have sown? No, for the sowers may pass from their labours, only remembered by what they have done.” Recognize that living impactfully is not about having “enough wealth” but having “enough heart” to open doors of opportunities for others to share from your blessings, stepping forward to let others have a feel of what you have to offer, etc. Know that how you part ways with someone can leave a lasting impression. In your relationships, behave, act, and respond in ways that will create the impacts you want. Showcase positive traits – be dependable, calm, focused, and trustworthy. Choose to take action today to make yourself an asset to many. As Tony Robbins noted, “You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action.”

As you step out, in the busyness of your daily pursuits, spare some seconds to reflect on what you would leave behind if your journey on earth were to end today. Never forget Bonar’s emphatic chorus: “Only remembered, only remembered, only remembered by what we have done; thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, only remembered by what we have done.”
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He works for an international oil company and can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only).