American Heritage Dictory defines legacy as, “Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past”. 

While many subscribe to the adage, “Whoever has the most toys when they die, wins!”, most of us would like to leave a legacy. Something that leaves our imprint on this earth. Something or someone that shows we mattered.  We made a difference.

This was brought home to me the other week when I heard from a friend from back home. It’s been 30 years since we’d talked and he somehow found me on the Internet in one of those “I wonder what ever happened to whats her name” moments.  (Ladies, this is one of the benefits of keeping your maiden name. Otherwise, you tend to get lost unless people know who you married!)

In any event, as we were catching up, he sent me some pictures of the home he had built.  Not contracted out – built with his own hands.  Out in the country, on 18 acres of land bordering a park, he built this home – himself. He and his wife lived in a trailer on the property and it took him several years to complete it.

One of the remarks he made was that, while he may not be remembered for his job skills or guitar playing (he plays in a band), he would be remembered for his home and property. 

And it struck me – this was his legacy.  One hundred years from now, when all of us have left this earth, it is quite likely that this house and the beautiful grounds it sits on will be enriching the lives of another family. Everytime they marvel at the craftsmanship, he – as the builder of that home – will be remembered.

So, what does this have to do with your home business? Because, truth be told, your thoughts probably center around how to make your business profitable and make more money than you’ve ever imagined.  (or….if you’re an Law of Attraction fan, the money you HAVE imagined!)

But working from home allows you the flexibility and money to make a difference…and begin to create your own legacy. For instance, my work at home lifestyle allowed me to spend the time and resources necessary to help my son overcome dyslexia. Today, he’s in the top 10% of his high school class. If I was still that corporate executive working 14 hour days, it’s unlikely that the time and energy required would even have been available. So, I am blessed.  That’s why one of my goals is to establish a scholarship to the Texas Reading Institute in Houston, which is where I learned how to help my son overcome his dyslexia.

Don’t think that your legacy has to be about money. Take my friend’s example and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity (something our family has done for the past 8 years). Tutor at your local school. Share your knowledge and skills with others without renumeration. Promote a cause you believe in. There’s no limit to what you can do.