Monday Memo| Detail No. 141| February 10, 2025|

Legacy. We often think of it as something grand—a name etched in history, a groundbreaking invention, a towering achievement. But when you strip everything away, legacy isn’t just about what we accomplish; it’s about the impact we leave on the people around us.

Think about the people who have shaped you—not the celebrities or world leaders, but the ones who made a difference in your everyday life. Maybe it was a teacher who encouraged you when you doubted yourself. A friend who stuck by you when you had nothing to offer but your presence. A parent or mentor whose words still replay in your mind long after they’ve gone. Their legacy isn’t in wealth or recognition—it’s in you.

I remember an old neighbor, Mummy Oyinda, who lived down the street when I was growing up. She didn’t have much, but she had a way of making every child feel special. Whenever we ran past her house, she’d call us over, press a sweet into our hands, and say, “You are going to do great things one day.” It was the simplest thing, but it mattered. Even now, when life gets overwhelming, I think of her words, and somehow, they still encourage me. She may never be in history books, but she left a legacy in the hearts of everyone she touched.

That’s the thing—our legacy isn’t measured by numbers or titles, but by the moments that stay with people long after we’re gone. We get so caught up in the rush of life—deadlines, responsibilities, chasing the next big thing—that we sometimes forget the small but powerful ways we can leave a mark. A kind word. A listening ear. A simple text that says, I see you, I appreciate you. These things seem minor, but to someone else, they could mean everything.

Think about your own life. Years from now, when people think of you, what will they remember? Will it be the job you had, the car you drove, the social media posts you made? Or will it be the way you made them feel—safe, seen, valued?

This week, let’s be intentional about the legacy we’re creating. Let’s pause in the middle of our busy schedules to check in on a friend. Let’s encourage someone who’s struggling. Let’s show up for people in a way that lasts beyond the moment.

Because in the end, our true legacy isn’t in what we leave behind—it’s in the hearts we touch along the way.