dailyprompt Archives - MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE
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MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE

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  • Wish I Were Someone Else | Act Now

    Wish I Were Someone Else | Act Now

    What will your life be like in three years?

    Have you ever thought of what your life will be like in three years? Is there anything that you would like to have achieved by that time? How do you picture yourself after years of your life have passed?

    I haven’t thought much of it but maybe it is time. I am always aiming for a situation where I do not have to worry about money or I have so much that when people ask for help, it is very easy for me to give. I also want our children not to worry about where they will sleep or where they will get their food or be stuck in a work that they need because they need the money.

    I want to get away from that.

    I want us to do work that is meaningful. Meaningful, in the sense that it is not what corporate ideologies or concepts tell us. That we can find meaning in the work that we do. That is just a cliché to keep us engaged and motivated to do the work we are paid to do. That is not what I meant.

    What I meant by meaningful is doing what we really think would benefit others. How could we help each other become better people or a become better versions of ourselves. There are a lot of people we encounter in our daily lives and our initial reaction is to comment on how bad they are to make us feel better than them. Subconsciously, this is what happens. We are just not entirely aware at the moment.

    Most of the time what hinders us in helping others is money. For example, in doing charity work or outreach program that my choir had started, we could have never been able to move it without money. Sure, there are donations but we still need money for travel, food, and specific items that our recipients need (e.g. new school supplies, food, etc.)

    There was also this time that people in my church said a lot of things about making things happen like having the keyboards fixed or cleaning the choir loft and music room. But no one did anything about it because it requires money to fix the keyboard and have the place cleaned.

    That is why, in three years, I would like to be in a place to have the money to be able to provide help to others so that they can live their lives as they should. The question now is, how do I get there?

    How do we get there?

    Yes. That question is rarely asked. We always want to be something by a certain time but we never talk about the how. The steps necessary to get there are important and crucial for us to achieve it. However, we all fall into wishful thinking hoping that it will come true but our actions today don’t help us get there.

    As for me, for the future self I have envisioned, I am invested heavily in a high-risk instrument but high yield too. The cost is high. The projections are 50-50. The possibility is average. But it will take me where I want to be. Not in three years. Maybe 5 or 10 years. Longer than I want but it will take me there. It is just a matter of time. The point is doing something to get there.

    We have to act now to become the person we want to be in the future. It is not all about hoping and praying. It is also about taking action now. A lot of us sees a bright future for ourselves but never do anything to meet it. This is where we fall short.

    Be rich. Invest.

    Be healthy. Exercise and workout.

    Be promoted. Spend more time working to gain experience.

    Play piano. Practice.

    Be smart. Read.

    Be close to God. Pray and hear the mass.

    The point is, do the relevant work now so we can be who we want to be in the future.

  • Fulfillment at work | Creating something produces fulfillment

    Fulfillment at work | Creating something produces fulfillment

    KEY POINTS
    > Fulfillment at work is now the new norm.
    > Having these three things – impact, relationship, and growth – could provide the sense of fulfillment at work.
    > Creating something gives us the sense of fulfillment.
    > Trying out different things until you find what brings you satisfaction may help in achieving fulfillment.

    Fulfillment at work

    Finding fulfillment at work has been a desire that every working person has been craving for. The pandemic has brought to our attention the importance of the purpose of our work and the feeling of being fulfilled. Spending time at home with our family made us realize that there are more important things in our lives than busting out long hours in the office without a sense of fulfillment.

    Satisfaction with our careers and jobs had been questioned. It is not about earning to live anymore. It is not also about living life comfortably. We have achieved these. It is now about being fulfilled with our work. It is creating a work-life balance. It is now a question of impact, meaning and purpose.

    Companies struggle to keep employees. It became more difficult during and after the pandemic. Employee engagement has never been more critical and various approaches such as virtual team buildings and company events, and the push for more interconnected people were implemented to keep employees engaged and motivated. There were some who implemented mental health breaks to tackle the issue around employee well-being and mental health.

    But, what really is a meaningful work? How do we find fulfillment in what we do, or is it not even with our current work and do we need to search for it? Does a purpose-driven work enough to feel fulfilled? What can we do to find fulfillment at work?

    There are ways, according to researches. Well, I would beg to disagree.

    The three things to have to feel fulfilled at work

    Impact. Relationship. Growth. These are the three things that a person should have to have a sense of fulfillment at work. This is according to a post on Big Think written by Kevin Dickinson. It was a conversation between him and Aaron Hurst who is the founder of Imperative and Taproot Foundation and author of The Purpose Economy.

    I. IMPACT

    Simple enough. When we know the gravity and the value of what we do to others, we feel fulfilled. We realize that our work is meaningful and has a significant effect on other people’s lives, we see that our work is purpose-driven instead of menial tasks that we must go through every day. But, is that even enough?

    Businesses strive to make this known to employees to ensure that quality of work is there and clients receive the service that they need and deserve. By making people understand the purpose of what they do, it somehow creates a sense of passion and dedication in the work they do.

    Although, when our work does not directly translate to an impact, this can be very difficult to feel. An example would be in a contact center where your daily task is to answer calls, emails or chats. Doing it repetitively for people you don’t know or even care about disconnects you from the impact. Makes us ask ourselves, “What am I doing here? Is this something I really want to do?”

    II. RELATIONSHIP

    We are highly social animals. We strive to belong. We wanted to be accepted by the community we are a member of. It is a product of our survival instincts. Our ancestors needed the help of the tribe to survive. With our primitive minds, we brought this need to the present. Therefore, our desire to be build relationships, be accepted, and become a valuable member of the community we are members of has become a need for us.

    This is why most successful organizations strive to ensure there is a good working relationship in the workplace. Aaron Hurst mentioned that in his research, people tend to stay in the company when they feel they belong. With a sense of belongingness, we feel secure and thus we create work for the benefit of the member of the organization effecting the people outside.

    However, does relationship really help us become fulfilled? Would that be enough to find our purpose in life? Can it create the passion at work?

    III. GROWTH

    This is a cliché. We all know this. Being stagnant with what we do leads to boredom and a feeling of senselessness. Repeating the same work over and over again for a long period of time will make us feel useless.

    This is the reason why company leaders provide more challenging tasks, trainings, seminars, and opportunities. Of course, the main reason for this is to ensure competitiveness and stay relevant in their industry. Without such, an organization has spelled it’s doomed. With people being the most important resource of a company, it is imperative that they grow and always ready for any potential opportunities.

    But, ask yourself, do you feel fulfillment when you grow? In terms of doing more, do find fulfilled with more responsibility and accountability? Or even when doing something else, have you found the fulfillment that you are looking for?

    Fulfillment at work from creating

    While it is good to have impact, relationship and growth in the organization, fulfillment can be achieved by focusing on our personal goals first. These goals are not the results of our work such as living in the beach, traveling the globe and having money in the bank. Particularly, these are by-products and/or tools for us to achieve our personal goals.

    Some may call it doing what you love. And some may say love what you do. But to me, it is more than that. Ever had that moment where even though you do not get any feedback from what you have done but you feel satisfied with what you created? Have you ever had that feeling that you just did not care what other people said about it and you just kept going and creating? Or better yet, you felt irritated with someone who criticized your work after you have put all your heart into it?

    I think this is it. We are all looking to be fulfilled at our current work and the strategies that companies implement to give that to us are more aligned in keeping us as employees. In one company I used to work for, they boast of extensive free training given to all employees to spur growth and maximize the potential of everyone. I personally do not need it even I enjoy going through training classes and seminars, I rather read books and blogs to keep my mind working.

    Now, in my line of work, I do not consistently get feedback. My work does not have a direct impact on our clients. But, I like what I do. I am more focused on what I create and deliver that to our internal team for them to use. If they use it or not, I honestly do not care. I felt fulfilled because I created something that I want to.

    The same with my blogging. I want to write. I want to share. Even if only one person reads it, that is enough. But it does not stop me from writing and publishing. I always have a senses of fulfillment when I am able to write and publish what I have in mind.

    Find you fulfillment at work by trying different things

    That is the old-age advice. Find your passion. Do what you love to do. It was also said that you can not earn a decent life if you keep doing what you love such as art and music but that is besides the point.

    Putting passion at what you do is also another approach to keeping employees and force them to do what the work requirement is which leads to depression and unhappy people. This in turn loses the sense of fulfillment.

    By trying out different things, you may find what makes you tick. Focusing on creating that you want to will give you a sense of fulfillment. It is not just about impact, relationship and growth. I think these are also by-products of what we do. If we start with creating something, without any care of the feedback, then I would say, we will have the sense of fulfillment that we are looking for.

  • Losing Time | Doing what you feel like could be beneficial

    Losing Time | Doing what you feel like could be beneficial

    Losing time

    Losing time. Have you ever had that feeling when you lose track of time? I for one sure do. It happens when I am so deep into the thing that I am working on. This happens usually when I play the guitar and the sound and notes I want to make just jive in my ear and get me lost in the moment.

    It also happens when I am at work doing a report or analysis that racks my brain trying to figure out what the data mean and how I could present it in a story that someone who does not have a background about what it is all about.

    On the contrary, there are also times when the world is moving so slowly that I just wanted the day to end. The feeling of boredom or sometimes the feeling of just restarting the day makes me feel that long hours were wasted doing nothing.

    This actually made me think about what time is all about. This is not an expert opinion. This is just a thought based on how I see we experience it.

    Time is an illusion

    For me, time is a marker for anything that moves. When there is movement, time moves. Imagine this, if everything down to the tiniest particles that make up electrons, protons, and neutrons are not moving, time stands still. There would be no one or anything saying that we paused for a certain amount of time. Once everything moves, then time starts marking again. I think it is all about movement.

    So when we are doing something that takes all of our focus, we lose track of time as it continues to mark along with our movements. When we stop with what we are doing, we realize that a lot of hours had passed. And since others are moving too, there is a high chance we missed something we were supposed to do or to be.

    When we are doing nothing, it felt like time slowed down. Since we are almost at a standstill while everything is moving around us, the feeling of time is slowly passing is present. It feels forever given that time continues to mark while we do not do anything.

    Adding up to this, nothing can move backward. Nothing can grow young or reverse the action done. It is impossible. This means no one can really travel back in time. As the movements that make the changes are what time marks. With this, no one can also go into the future because, well, the movements now are the only ones dictating time.

    Which now brings me to the article I read about Fiji time.

    Present is all there is

    Fiji Time is the notion of getting things done, eventually, without the stress of time. The word eventually is critical here. It is the core definition of the term Fiji Time.

    The article mentioned about not strictly following any schedule but the activities will happen. It is observed in Fiji, obviously, with people there doing their activities within a certain scheduled time, not exact time. I haven’t been there but would like to try.

    My key takeaway is that this concept is about living in the moment and making time work for us. What can happen will happen, according to the Greek philosopher Diodorus (or this can also be attributed as one of Murphy’s laws), could sum this up.

    Doing what we want

    We all look into maximizing our time. I even wrote about scheduling tasks through time-boxing, knowing priorities, and using time with those important to you. All of these are still good and I still believe in it however, there are times that I would just like to stop following my routines and schedules and just do what I feel like doing at the moment.

    The world will continue to move on its own. Other people will stick to their own schedules and be productive as much as they can. The fear of being left out while others move pushes us also to go with the flow and sometimes it could hurt us. Of course, we have to respect other people’s time and as much as possible, our activities should somehow coincide with theirs so it does not negatively affect what they are doing.

    However, if your activities are your own and in effect, your time is your own, it would not create any significant impact on anyone. And if you do as you please without hurting anyone, wouldn’t you be able to live a life of your own design making you happier?

    I think this could help us live a more fulfilled life.

    Maximizing our time is a common pursuit in the fast-paced world we live in. I’ve previously discussed various strategies to achieve this, such as time-boxing tasks, understanding and setting priorities, and dedicating time to those who matter most in our lives. These methods are undoubtedly effective and remain beliefs I hold firmly. Yet, there are moments when the urge to break free from the constraints of routines and schedules becomes overwhelming, prompting a desire to simply act on what feels right in the present.

    The relentless march of time waits for no one. As the world spins on, people around us adhere to their meticulously crafted schedules, striving for peak productivity. There’s an underlying fear of falling behind, of being left in the dust while everyone else surges ahead. This fear often propels us to join the relentless current, even when it may not serve our best interests.

    Respecting others’ time is a societal expectation, and ideally, our actions should align with theirs to avoid causing disruption. But what happens when our activities are solely our own? When our time belongs only to us? In such scenarios, our actions bear little consequence on others.

    Imagine living freely, guided by your own desires and without causing harm. Such freedom allows us to craft a life uniquely ours—a life that could potentially be more joyful and fulfilling.

    Embracing this philosophy might just be the key to a richer, more satisfying existence. It’s about finding balance—knowing when to plan and when to let spontaneity take the lead. It’s about recognizing that while structure is valuable, so too is the freedom to live authentically according to our own whims.

    In conclusion, while structure and planning have their place, there’s also immense value in occasionally stepping off the beaten path. By doing so, we open ourselves up to new experiences and ways of living that can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.

  • Priorities | Yours could be wrong

    Priorities | Yours could be wrong

    Your priorities now could be wrong. Wait. Don’t get me wrong. Of course, we all have our own priorities and things we value. To each his own. However, just like me before, you may be putting value in things that is not really important for you.

    The things you want now

    You strive for attention. You strive to belong. You want money. You want promotion. You want to get the latest gadgets. You want the parties. The luxuries in life and being seen as cool. You want to be heard. You want to feel important.

    All of these are things you want when you are young. The material things that you see other people on social media are something you like to have as well. The prestige, privilege, and being known are the intangible desires you want to experience and have for yourself.

    And maybe, you are able to get it. Thousands and millions like what you post and comments praising you for what you have achieved flood your feed. The feeling of being treated as a VIP is something that now you get regularly. And life is good.

    So you think.

    Not so important

    These are things that do not better when you age. Maybe being known could get better but it could also go the other way. A lot of renowned actors were very popular before and now are the subject of mockery because of how they look. They own luxurious things that give them a comfortable life but, did not make life better as a whole.

    Money enables you to be able to do what you need to do however, it does not also make your life better as you age. Well, depending on how it is used. I know someone who was rich when she was in her 40s and almost everyone in her family treats her as a god as they can always ask for money from her. Now that she is retired and has enough money for herself, none of those in her family who used to ask for money from her even visits her and be with her for the sake of spending time with her.

    The people you spent partying with are all good and nice in the moment. You get to enjoy life’s offerings by going to different clubs, luxurious vacations, beaches, and such. And one day, when you are old and gray, none of it matters. None of them cares where you are because they are busy thinking about themselves.

    What then are things that could get better as we age?

    What we should value

    When we get older, we tend to focus our attention on those that really matter. We get to care less for those that stress out and realize that it is not important for us. Here are some that we should focus on as these gets better as we age:

    • Relationships. It is important and will get better as you age that is why you need to build this however, not all relationships are good. Connecting with someone because that person can do something for you is not right. Basing your relationship on that will end abruptly and you’ll end up with no one. Build it based on caring for the other person.
    • Money. Using money to get what you want, giving it so that you could feel important, and having it for the sake of feeling rich is wrong. Have plenty of it and have a strong desire to use it to help other people to be better without any selfish desire of feeling important. It will not last. It will only get worse.
    • Attention. We all need this as belongingness is an integral part of survival. But, if you are striving for likes on social media from people you do not know or care about, then it is just self-indulgence. Receiving that attention from people who care about you is better as they will always strive to see you get better and safe. These are the people that will give you the attention better when you get older.
    • Material things. The latest gadgets, trendy outfits, and all the money can buy may be good for now but it would not mean a thing when you get older. Instead, spend on things that really bring you value, and that have a purpose. Buying for the purpose of having it will only last a moment. You’ll soon realize that it did not give value to your life.

      Focus your energy

      When we grow older, we do not care much for a lot of things and long for the time to be spent with the people we care for and love. It is the only desire we have. And if that is the case, then building that now as we grow older is the right way to live.

      We could start focusing our energies to make that happen. We could also use the tools at our disposal to ensure that as we grow old, it enables us to spend the time we have with them.

      So now, start thinking of what is important for you and gear your efforts toward that. By ensuring that all of your energy and actions are directed toward achieving that, at the final stretches of your life, you’ll be able to experience a more happy life.

      Become better.

      In the pursuit of fulfillment, young individuals often chase after attention, belonging, wealth, and status. They are drawn to the allure of material possessions and the prestige they observe on social media, seeking to emulate the lives of those they admire. The desire to be recognized and feel important drives them to seek validation through likes and comments, reveling in the temporary high of social media fame and the luxury it affords.

      However, as time passes, the significance of these pursuits diminishes. The once-celebrated figures may find themselves the subject of ridicule, and the material comforts they’ve acquired do not necessarily equate to a better life. Wealth, while providing the means to live comfortably, does not guarantee lasting relationships or happiness in old age. The parties and social gatherings that once seemed essential fade into insignificance, as the companions of youth become preoccupied with their own lives.

      As we age, our priorities shift. We begin to value the things that truly improve with time:

      • Relationships: Genuine connections, not based on what others can do for us, but on mutual care and respect, become increasingly important. These relationships, nurtured over time, grow stronger and more meaningful with age.
      • Money: While necessary, money should not be hoarded for the sake of feeling wealthy or important. Instead, it should be used to help others and contribute to the greater good, without any underlying motives of self-importance.
      • Attention: The need for attention is a fundamental human trait, tied to our sense of belonging. However, the attention that matters most comes from those who genuinely care about our well-being and growth, not from strangers on the internet.
      • Material possessions: The latest gadgets and trends may provide temporary satisfaction, but as we grow older, their value diminishes. Investing in items that bring true value and serve a purpose is far more rewarding in the long run.

      In essence, the things that seem crucial in our youth often lose their luster as we mature. The focus shifts from external validation to internal contentment, from fleeting pleasures to enduring joys. It’s the relationships we build, the way we use our resources, the quality of attention we receive, and the purpose behind our possessions that truly enrich our lives as we grow older. These are the treasures that not only withstand the test of time but also become more precious with each passing year.

    • What is work-life balance

      What is work-life balance

      What is work-life balance? How do you balance work and home life? By knowing your priorities first and then scheduling them. Although, there would be times that this would not work, let me explain what I mean by this.

      What we refer to as work-life balance is the delicate equilibrium between our professional responsibilities and our personal lives. Achieving this equilibrium involves conscientiously managing our time and energy to ensure that neither aspect overshadows the other. One effective way to strike this balance is by identifying our priorities and then organizing our schedules around them. By doing so, we can allocate ample time and attention to our work, while also reserving quality moments for our personal and family life.

      However, it’s important to acknowledge that there may be occasions when this approach doesn’t yield the desired outcome. Circumstances beyond our control, unexpected challenges, or sudden shifts in priorities can disrupt even the most carefully crafted plans. In such instances, flexibility and adaptability become essential. It’s crucial to be responsive to changes and willing to adjust our schedules and strategies accordingly, allowing us to navigate through the unpredictability that life often presents.

      Understanding the fluid nature of work-life balance is fundamental. While setting priorities and creating schedules provide a solid foundation, the capacity to be flexible and responsive to change is equally important. This combination of structure and adaptability can help us navigate the dynamic interplay between our professional and personal lives, fostering a greater sense of harmony and well-being.

      The 40-hour workweek is a very great invention of man. When it became to a law that everyone must observe, suddenly, we did not need to work all the time. We spend working 8 hours a day and once that is done, we leave and do something else.

      This system allows individuals to engage in diverse pursuits, whether it be spending quality time with family, pursuing personal hobbies, or contributing to community activities. Furthermore, it has paved the way for advancements in work productivity and employee well-being. This thoughtful allocation of time has certainly contributed to a more enriched and fulfilling life experience for many.

      Well, that was before. Now, one of the key questions people get asked in an interview is our willingness to work longer hours, paid or unpaid. And since we need the job, we’ll definitely say yes.

      However, we are in a shift. Longer hours would not cut it anymore. Almost no one wants to work beyond the normal 40 hours a week. In fact, there is an ongoing movement to further reduce that, and with the gig economy, to work when we want to.

      And all of these changes are driven by our desire to find a more fulfilling life. A happier life. Being a workaholic is a thing of the past. Saying we did not sleep because there are too much things at work is now being frowned upon.

      What should we do?

      Finding a balance between work and life is all about prioritization. At a given time, we give enough time to what is important to us. For example, on a weekend, checking your emails and responding to people at work while you are out with your family having dinner only means that at that moment, all you think about is work and not really spending time with them. Why? Because your mind is somewhere else.

      It may seem just a few seconds or a few minutes. It should be okay. That is what you keep telling yourself. However, that is where your balance lies. Your priority is to get things done at work. That is your first. The other things in your life only come second.

      It’s crucial to set boundaries and be fully present in the moment, whether it’s dedicating focused time to work tasks or fully immersing yourself in quality time with loved ones. This is not just about physical presence, but also about mental and emotional presence. By being present and mindful, we can ensure that we are nurturing both our professional and personal lives, fostering a sense of fulfillment and contentment.“`

      Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to become absorbed in the demands of work and place it above all else. While dedication to your career is admirable, it’s essential to ensure that maintaining this focus doesn’t overshadow the other meaningful aspects of your life. Finding a harmonious balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being is a challenge many face. Recognizing the importance of both work and personal fulfillment is the first step in achieving a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. By acknowledging the value of each aspect and allocating time and energy accordingly, you can strive to lead a more rewarding and enriched life overall. Remember, your well-being and happiness are just as important as your professional success.

      And you may say that you are weighing the gravity of the situation and its impact so you attend to work stuff because there is nothing eventful going on during that dinner.

      That is where you are wrong. Because, eventually, those little things that you move your attention away from will gradually get bigger and compound until it is too late to get them back.

      And you may say that you are weighing the gravity of the situation and its impact so you attend to work stuff because there is nothing eventful going on during that dinner. That is where you are wrong. Because, eventually, those little things that you move your attention away from will gradually get bigger and compound until it is too late to get them back.

      It’s crucial to recognize the significance of each moment, even when it may seem uneventful or insignificant at first glance. Often, it’s the accumulation of these seemingly small moments that can have a substantial impact on our lives. By being present in the here and now, we can actively engage with the details of our lives, preventing them from snowballing into larger, more daunting issues down the line. This mindfulness allows us to address concerns as they arise, maintaining balance and harmony in both our personal and professional spheres.

      By acknowledging the importance of each moment, we can cultivate a proactive approach to managing our responsibilities and relationships, ensuring that we do not overlook vital aspects of our lives in favor of perceived immediacy. Embracing this mindset empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with greater ease, addressing challenges with timeliness and consideration. Remember, every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of our experiences, and attending to them conscientiously can safeguard against future regrets.

      So, how do you balance work and home life? For me it is simple. Spend enough time with both aspects of your life with enough attention and do not mix the two together. You’ll realize, eventually, something is changing. You become better than you were yesterday.

    • Your story is your legacy

      Your story is your legacy

      Our legacy is from our story. The actions we took. The impact we made. What we leave behind is what happens to those who we have impacted the most.

      When you are gone, what do you want people to say about you? What are you living behind? How do you want to live your life before you die?

      In your every waking hour, in your ever-busy life, are you aware of the impact it will have on other people? Will whoever you are now be remembered by at least the people around you? Are you living a life to your own selfish desires or towards the betterment of humankind as a society?

      In every waking hour and amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on the impact our actions will have on those around us. Will our presence be remembered positively by the people in our immediate circles? Will our legacy be one of self-centered pursuits, or will it be marked by contributions toward the advancement and well-being of society as a whole? These questions compel us to consider the greater purpose of our existence and the mark we leave on the world. Taking a moment to evaluate the direction of our lives can lead to a deeper understanding of our roles within the broader tapestry of humanity, motivating us to strive for a legacy that transcends mere self-serving desires.

      Take a step back and review what happened to your day yesterday. For us who are working for a company, our typical day would be to get up, grab a coffee, scroll through social media, play some mobile games, get a shower, watch TV, go to work, eat lunch or dinner, end our day, and sleep The following day we repeat it.

      The daily routine for many working individuals often involves a sequence of familiar activities that provide comfort and structure. It begins with waking up and indulging in a cup of freshly brewed coffee, which serves as a catalyst for the day ahead. This may be followed by a leisurely scroll through social media, offering a glimpse into the lives of friends, family, and perhaps, one’s favorite celebrities. The routine may then transition to a casual session of mobile gaming, providing a brief escape from the demands of the day. After these moments of relaxation, it’s time to freshen up with a rejuvenating shower, preparing for the day either at work or at home.

      At work, the day unfolds with various tasks, meetings, and interactions, interspersed with the much-anticipated lunch break or, for those working into the evening, a satisfying dinner. These meals serve as a pause, allowing individuals to recharge and refuel for the remaining hours of their workday. Finally, as the day draws to a close, there might be time to unwind in front of the TV, catch up on favorite shows, or wind down with a movie.

      Reflecting on this perpetual cycle of activities, it becomes apparent that each day carries its own blend of familiarity and unique moments, providing the opportunity to find joy, fulfillment, and recharge before embarking on the next day’s adventures.

      Maybe once in a while, we go out with friends. Maybe during the weekends, we go out with our families. Maybe sometime in the year, we take a vacation. Maybe some other days, we go to some events like concerts, food halls, or anything else. Or maybe attend some grand family events like weddings, birthdays, funerals, etc.

      If we take a step back, get to higher ground, and look at our lives from a bird’s eye view, what do we realize have we done with our lives? Do we think it is something worth remembering? Have we made a significant impact on the lives of others? What are we leaving to the world and generations to come?

      These introspective questions prod us to reflect on the legacy we are creating with our existence. Often, the hustle and bustle of daily life obstructs our ability to pause and ponder the broader implications of our actions. However, a moment of contemplation can unravel profound insights. As we review the mosaic of our journey, we unearth the footprints we’ve etched into the tapestry of time. Each act of kindness, every endeavor, and the relationships we nurture contribute to the narrative of our lives.

      The weight of our actions is not solely determined by their scale, but rather by the sincerity and impact they carry. Whether we have touched lives through simple gestures of compassion or through grand initiatives, the significance lies in the genuineness of our intentions. An empathetic ear, a helping hand extended in times of need, or a heartfelt word of encouragement can reverberate through the lives of others, creating a ripple effect that transcends generations.

      Considering what we impart to the world, the question arises: what inheritance are we bequeathing to posterity? Our actions, values, and the wisdom we impart to future generations lay the foundation for the world that will greet them. Thus, in our quest to craft a meaningful existence, we are not merely sculpting our own story, but also shaping the narrative of the world to come. It is within these reflections that we find the impetus to infuse our lives with purpose and altruism, striving to leave behind a legacy that enriches the tapestry of humanity.”

      My mother-in-law passed away a year ago. And hearing stories about her from her sisters, she seemed to live a life like of a superhero. She saved them from every unfortunate event that happened to them. And she continued to do that with her children. She did everything she could to give them a fighting chance in life. While she succumbed to her sickness and was not able to do much for her grandchildren, her legacy to us was that.

      She was suffering and made it known at the end, but before that, her pain was not known to anyone. She kept going until she really couldn’t anymore. Until her powers ran out and the only thing she left was the memory that even if a person has taken a bad road, she will still extend help as much as she can, even if it meant pain.

      So for us still living now, what could we consider a legacy? I haven’t figured it out myself but I think, for now, I would follow in some of her footsteps – help others to stand and fight on their own and live their lives as they want to. Maybe make a superhero of everyone.

      The idea of leaving a legacy is a profound contemplation for anyone still living. What constitutes a legacy may vary from person to person, but for some, it involves following in the footsteps of those who have come before us, particularly those who have exhibited qualities of empowerment and compassion. In this context, it can be about empowering others to stand on their own and pursue their aspirations freely. It’s about fostering a sense of autonomy and self-determination, essentially transforming everyday individuals into their own kind of superheroes. This can manifest in various forms, from mentorship and support to activism and advocacy, ultimately striving to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive as their authentic selves.

      In the end, superheroes die. But their death meant the worst is over. The villain is gone. Those who are left are to battle their own villain. And emulating her superhero act, I think it would be very helpful to leave a legacy of people who can be superheroes too.