We live in what is to date, the most documented era in human civilization. Through the ages there have been hieroglyphics on cave walls, we then evolved to writing on leaves such as the Egyptians did with papyrus, we have written books, and now advanced to radio, film, and television. Never before, has the average person, had the power to reach millions as we do now. We've become the media.
Unfortunately, most of us don’t know it. With social media, our lives are documented each day, by choice and often with joy. Most of us have not given thought to the fact that long after we depart earth, the ideas, messages, and actions that we have posted on our digital walls will be left behind for our future generations to see.
What Footprints Are You Leaving Behind?
I don't think most people have taken a second to think about that. If they did, we wouldn't see most of the things we see on social media. There would be more of us taking advantage of the fact that we have before us, an opportunity to shape not only today’s world but the one we leave behind. When (as the great Stevie Wonder sings in the song “As” from his classic album “Songs In The Key of Life”) .. “your children’s grandchildren and their great grandchildren will tell,” what will they tell when it comes to you? How you lived your life? Not that we are here to judge or be judged, but the truth of the matter is they will say something, and we have every opportunity to have a say in how we are remembered:
- Who will we have helped?
- How will we contribute to society?
- Will you do your part to make the world a better place?
For me, it has been an evolution and has meant stepping outside of my comfort zone. It took a long time for me, so I'm in no position to judge, my intent is simply to share. As parents to a son on the autism spectrum, now aged 10, my wife and I share a growing number of concerns just like other parents do. In addition to my wife’s daughters from her previous marriage, we are legal guardians to her sister’s four children, two boys and two girls (ages 11-14).
They have lived with us for the last six years, and we are now in the midst of the adoption process. Families like ours are a little unique, but all families need to have available to them, the very same concepts about money, how it works, and how it can be put to work. This is twice as important in the special needs community where the level of unpredictability as it relates to the future of our children, is considerably higher.
Right now, this is my area of focus but I want to contribute to the world in the biggest way possible, in other areas as well. What are you passionate about? In what way will you contribute to the world? What might your online footprint say to the world once you are gone? Think about it and begin to write your own story.
