People will attempt to walk your path and imitate you, however, there are specific qualities in you that cannot be replicated. It's like a blueprint with original details that make something unique. Deploying too much energy into pleasing others can be stressful and counter-productive because people will form their opinions about you regardless of your reality.
My nomadic lifestyle restricts the level of connections I maintain with people who have crossed my paths, and the reality is that some people might have already forgotten me. That's a thought that does not bother me in the slightest because I believe that people come and go, and move on in their lives, and my emphasis is ensuring that those in close relations feel a part of my life regardless of wherever I'm situated.
On my last trip to Jamaica, I spent a few days going through some personal items including leaving-do cards in which all team members wrote messages. In all those cards, from every individual is the message "I've never met anyone like you. Stay just the way you are."
As if I had the intention of doing otherwise.
Experience has thought me that we think how we are, so I do not focus on what others might think of me, simply because I would go crazy and stop living trying to figure it out.
Having an understanding of yourself helps, and I know that I'm naturally warm and friendly, but I can be effortlessly cold and distant, which all depends on the energy that I feel.
I think it all boils down to the happiness that's felt inside. Inner peace. That affects the energy that we store hence what we give off.
People can be sensitive and will remember and feed on the energy they feel around others, so I think it's important to be direct and honest with our thoughts instead of saying things to make others feel good with no sincerity behind them.
Having pleasant thoughts has a positive effect on one's mind, and we act on our thoughts, so I think I'll be remembered as someone who does not mince my words.
Would you rather be remembered as someone who had an opinion about everything, or someone worth listening to with an honest voice that matters?
I pick the latter.
I've attached this song which pretty much sums up my mood for life. Take a listen if you please, and sing along if you like. If the lyrics connect with you on any level, as well as my words, I trust that you will examine your life and see just how true to yourself you are, because honestly, as the words on the t-shirt say,
'You're born an original, don't live like a copy."
Images are from a pleasant walk along the seafront in Moalboal, Philippines:)
Happy 4th of July to those celebrating it. For me, true independence comes when we have freedom of the mind, and the only way to set our minds free is to examine, accept and appreciate our truths. Peace and Love,
This is a response to the Ladies of Hive Community Contest #141, please check it out as you might want to write a story on the topic about "what legacy would you like to be remembered for when you're gone."