What Will Be Your Legacy?

Just the other day I was walking down the street, feeling really happy as I thought about jewelry making and how my work is my passion. It took a few minutes before I noticed that nearly every person I passed on the street was smiling at me – total strangers in DTLA where usually you can’t get the time of day. Eventually, it dawned on me that they were reflecting back to me the energy I was putting out. My smile and good mood were contagious!

Since then, I’ve been thinking more about how small things can have a big impact. I’ve always thought it would be so cool for someone, years in the future, to unearth a CED ring as an artifact. But after this experience, I realized legacy can live in small but meaningful moments.

Lately I’ve been discovering the true power of my work – being present with my clients. Presence requires that I cultivate stillness within myself and listen well so that I’m able to translate their journeys into something that really resonates with them. And I’m realizing I can apply this strategy to all aspects of my life. With strangers, with my husband, and with my family. Within my community, with my clients, and with my work. With our planet, with our resources – with everything.

It doesn’t take much to make our world, or someone else’s day, a little bit better. It might take a little effort and some intentional mindfulness, but it can start with something as simple as a smile.

What will be your legacy?