What is a Legacy Runner?
May 6, 2020 by Dorothy Simien
Legacy is a monetary gift or something of value passed on to a love one. It is a child deciding to follow the footsteps of their parents or another family member by attending their Alma Mater. It could be culture, values or knowledge about your family or a skill pass throughout generations. Also, it can be generosity, the love of volunteering for something greater than yourself. Legacy has lasting effects and prepares the next generation for what is to come. Strong cooperation will determine how your family builds, embrace, and protect your family legacy.
The people I have chosen to feature as “Legacy Runners” are people who take the cards they were dealt and win anyway. The culture and values they have within gives them the strength and pride to run on. Some are still trying to build their legacy and others are running on the legacy that was established by a family member or mentor. Legacy Runners know the importance of helping their community and those who are less fortunate. Having money does not make you a Legacy Runner; money and education are not the only resources that attribute to legacy. But it does afford your children with more opportunity and choices.
Legacy Runners understand, “to whom much is given, much is required.” My husband and I often ask our children “Are you doing things The Simien Way?” We always emphasized our culture and values as a family; no matter what the world has to say or what our neighbors are doing. The Simien Family relentlessly pursue our vision, we are committed to one another, we speak to be heard, but with respect and our family rules do not change for anyone. It is important to have a culture that defines your family and its purpose.
You may be asking yourself,” Why would I think about being a Legacy Runner and What legacy do I have to leave?” Well…the choice is up to you, your family legacy can be one of remembrance and respect or something short of leaving a mark. However, it is up to you to take the charge; you have the power to change your family trajectory, and make it something great beyond yourself. When I decided to create this website about legacy, I thought about how these dreamers in life never quit, no matter the anguish and heartbreak while working on their goals. Their culture and values define who they are, and these attributes expand through generations. Legacy Runners come from all walks of life but have one thing in common- they are able to transmit their values on to the next generation. Leadership in the family is essential to having a legacy that is lasting. The “inheritance of values” can be passed on into the 7th generation, it is intangible.
Although, we will never know our legacy in its entirety, the many lives changed by our choices or who we influenced to take on a new path. Our legacy will be acknowledge in one form or another. The culture and values we demonstrate will have a lasting effect on our families. We have a duty to all those who came before us, our ancestors rose every morning with you in mind, knowing someone like you would achieve what they could only dream about; so their legacy lives on in you who get up daily and try again.
Legacy is in your voice, it is in your hands, it is in your feet and runs on in your humble soul. RUN ON! Legacy Runners…Leave Your Mark!
