Last week, I attended a funeral for a man who was just 36 years old. He was taken far too soon, leaving behind grieving loved ones and a community of people who deeply felt his loss. One of his close friends wrote this and she has given me permission to share:

‘Thank you for always being authentically you, being a good mate, a therapist, and someone I could call my brother from another, because you always looked out for me.
Your friends and your family have so many amazing memories to share, and as you can see you brought a community together in celebration of who you were, how you lived life and the way you treated each and every person you knew. We love you, we will miss you and we will continue being silly for you!
Until we meet again we will continue to raise the bar, as friends, family, parents, and partners.’

Funerals are never easy, but this one felt especially heavy. He was young, vibrant, and beloved by many. Sitting there, listening to stories of his life, I was struck by one recurring theme: the legacy he left behind. It wasn’t wealth or material accomplishments that people remembered most—it was his kindness, loyalty, and unwavering love for those around him.

It’s strange how moments like this have a way of shaking us awake, reminding us of what truly matters. Death puts life into perspective, peeling away the layers of busyness and distractions to reveal the simple truth: it’s the people we love and the way we treat others that matters most.

The Power of Kindness and Connection

As I listened to his friends and family share memories, I was reminded of something profound. Every small act of kindness, every moment he showed up for someone else, left an imprint on their lives. He was always there when his mates needed him but was always up for a laugh and didn’t take himself too seriously.

It made me reflect: What kind of footprints am I leaving behind?

We often underestimate the power of our actions. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply being there for someone can touch lives in ways we may never fully understand. You don’t have to be a hero or do extravagant things to leave a legacy; being a good person is enough.

A Wake-Up Call

His funeral served as a wake-up call. How often do we rush through life, consumed by to-do lists and responsibilities, forgetting to pause and truly appreciate the people around us? How often do we let trivial arguments or petty concerns steal time we’ll never get back?

It’s sad that it sometimes takes a loss to remind us to stop and reflect on what and who matter most. Funerals remind us of life’s fragility, but they also call us to live more intentionally.

Living a Life That Matters

The man we honored that day wasn’t remembered for his job title or the size of his bank account. He was remembered for the way he made people feel. For the laughter he shared, the loyalty he gave, and the kindness he showed to everyone around him.

I walked away with a heavy heart but also with a renewed sense of purpose. I want to leave behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and kindness. I want the people in my life to know how much they mean to me. I want to live in a way that touches others, even in small, unseen ways.

Because at the end of the day, the legacy we leave isn’t in what we have—it’s in who we are.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’re reading this, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect. Who are the people in your life who matter most to you? Have you told them lately how much they mean to you? Are you living in a way that reflects your values and the legacy you want to leave behind?

Let this be a reminder to slow down, to cherish your loved ones, and to embrace the simple yet profound power of being a good human being. Life is fleeting, but the love and kindness we give can echo far beyond our time here.

Let’s make those echoes count.

What about you? How do you want to be remembered? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.

Take care of yourself,
Linda x