I’ll never forget the impact that Linda’s memorial service had on me.  As I entered the church I heard the music playing softly and I saw the beautiful white lilies.  My mind was filled with loving thoughts of gratitude as well as sorrow.  I was attending the memorial service of my mentor and friend, Linda Phillips-Jones.  Linda was someone I looked up to and admired.  She was very successful in her business, yet so down-to-earth, warm, genuine and caring.  She had a way of making everyone feel valued and special.  Linda went out of her way to help others in their career, and had that special gift of encouragement.  Many years earlier, Linda had encouraged me in pursuing my dream of starting my own business.  She even gave me an opportunity to speak in her place at a women’s conference.  That helped “jump-start” my business.  I’ve always been grateful to Linda for that opportunity.  As I reflected on this, I looked around the room, and it was no surprise to me that the church was filled with hundreds of people.  One person after another spoke of Linda’s great qualities.  They shared experiences of how Linda had encouraged them. I realized that Linda had not only touched my life, but numerous others as well.

I knew at that point that I wanted to leave a similar legacy.  I wanted to be known as an encourager.  It was as if God spoke to me in that moment and said, “Kathleen, that is your gift as well.  Use it to serve others.”

We all search for significance.  We want to know that our life counts.  We want to make a difference in this world.  What kind of legacy do you want to leave?  How do you want to be remembered?  What difference will you have made in the lives of others?  What qualities and characteristics will people remember you for?

Linda Phillips-Jones mentored and encouraged numerous people throughout their careers.  Red Skelton, the comedian, brought smiles and laughter to people throughout the world.  Norman Vincent Peale was known for The Power of Positive Thinking.  He shared his positive thinking philosophy through books and presentations to millions of people.  They each made a positive impact on the lives of others using their unique characteristics, gifts and talents.

A good way to define your legacy is to write your own obituary.  I know this may sound a bit morbid, but it gets you to think deeply about your life and the kind of impact you want to make.  Pretend that you’ve lived a long and fulfilling life.  How would you like your obituary to read?  Loving wife and mother?  Caring friend?  Humanitarian?  The idea is to write your obituary now, and then work on living up to it for the rest of your life.  You’ll not only be a blessing to others, but also be blessed yourself.

To learn more about defining your life purpose, read the workbook “Finding Your Purpose and Passion in Life” by Kathleen Barton.