Legacy: Finding Meaning in a Changing World #23 #cong24 #legacy
Synopsis:
In this reflective piece, Thabata Holistic, explores the evolution of legacy and how our perception of what it means to “leave a mark” has transformed over the centuries. She questions whether the traditional notion of legacy—defined by achievements like writing a book, planting a tree, or having a child—is still relevant today. As personal growth and authenticity take centre stage, the article invites readers to consider if they’re building a legacy rooted in their own beliefs or following a path that meets societal expectations.
Total Words
Reading Time in Minutes
4
Key Takeaways:
- Legacy is Shaped by Changing Values
What society values in a legacy has changed over time, from power and conquest to creativity, innovation, and now, authenticity. - Authenticity Over Achievements
Legacy today is increasingly about living a life true to oneself rather than meeting external milestones. - Personal Impact Matters Most
For many, legacy now focuses on personal connections, community, and small acts of kindness that resonate beyond achievements. - Align Your Legacy with Your Beliefs
Reflecting on whether your legacy reflects your true values or others’ expectations can help ensure it’s one that truly resonates with who you are.
About Thabata Couto
Based in Ireland, Thabata Couto is a holistic therapist and yoga teacher from Brazil, deeply passionate about helping others explore their true selves. Through practices like Reiki, Access Bars, ThetaHealing, and astrology, Thabata guides clients on journeys of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. With a warm, empathetic approach, she combines energy work with practical wisdom to inspire self-awareness, self-worth, and a deeper connection with nature and community. When she’s not guiding others, you’ll find her outdoors, swimming, kayaking, or sharing her thoughts on life, growth, and legacy on Instagram as @thabataholistic
Contacting Thabata Couto:
By Thabata Couto
In Brazil, we have this saying: “Every person should write a book, plant a tree, and have a child to live a life worth telling.” It’s a beautifully simple idea that suggests our legacy is shaped by what we create, nurture, and leave behind. But looking at my own life, I’m far from following this script. If anything, I could probably write a book on how not to follow the rules.
As tempting as it is to feel “behind,” I’m starting to think that maybe legacy isn’t about these milestones at all—at least, not for everyone. After all, what we view as a meaningful legacy has evolved so much over time. Legacy today is less about monuments, family lines, or climbing social ladders and more about the impact we have on the world, our communities, and on ourselves.
Legacy Through the Ages
The idea of legacy has always been a reflection of what a society values most. In ancient civilizations, a legacy was something grand and lasting—think towering monuments, powerful empires, and recorded achievements that would echo through the ages. These societies often tied legacy to power, wealth, and sometimes even conquests. The kings, queens, philosophers, and generals all left marks that the world still remembers today.
The Renaissance shifted that idea a bit, valuing artistic and intellectual legacy. People started to appreciate individual expression, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Great works of art, literature, and ideas became the markers of a legacy, emphasizing originality and contributions to human understanding.
With the Industrial Revolution, legacies shifted once more, this time toward innovation and economic impact. Inventions that improved daily life, mass production, and scientific progress became the markers of a successful life. People left legacies by changing the way we live, work, and interact.
In the 20th century, we saw the rise of social movements and humanitarian efforts defining legacy, a trend that’s only grown stronger. Figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. are remembered not for monuments or empires, but for their impact on social justice and human rights.
The New Legacy: Living Authentically
And now here we are today. Legacy has become more personal and fluid, shaped by the experiences, relationships, and insights we cultivate along the way. Social media lets each of us share our unique stories and values, creating legacies that are deeply personal. More and more, people are realising they don’t need to “check the boxes” of a traditional legacy. Instead, they’re defining success by how authentically they live and the connections they create. For some, that might look like changing the world on a big scale, while for others, it’s about nurturing a small, meaningful circle or simply being true to themselves.
Writing Our Own Rules for Legacy
Back to that Brazilian saying—write a book, plant a tree, have a child. What if we did, but on our own terms? Writing a book might mean sharing lessons learned from unconventional paths. Planting a tree could mean finding small, sustainable ways to protect and connect with nature. And maybe having a child means investing in relationships where we can grow together. The point isn’t about following a set path; it’s about deciding what truly matters to us.
Is It For Me, or Is It For Them?
The question we all need to ask ourselves is whether we’re following a legacy that reflects our truth, or if we’re just trying to prove ourselves by someone else’s standards. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of what a legacy should be. But the legacies that last—those that people remember, those that matter—are rooted in authenticity. They’re built on values that mean something real to us, not just what looks good to others.
In the end, a meaningful legacy isn’t about ticking off a list of accomplishments or meeting the world’s expectations. It’s about the courage to live our truth, to connect with others in ways that matter, and to leave behind something that feels like it genuinely reflects who we are. And maybe that’s the best story we can write.