A dying man in America has decided to donate his priced collection of 1500 bobbleheads to a museum. Now, you may be wondering what kind of museum would be interested in a small plastic toy with an oversized head? Not surprisingly, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum was delighted to accept them. This somewhat whimsical tale got me thinking about what, if anything, I would be leaving to the world when it comes to shuffling off this mortal coil?
I have never been ultra-materialistic so although I have all that I need I’ve never been one for collecting lots of things. When I was younger I didn’t collect stamps or coins or beer mats and only got half a dozen girl guide badges. I’ve never entirely understood the obsession required to build up a collection of “things” which often have little intrinsic value. I genuinely can’t imagine that anything I own would be worth donating to anywhere other than the charity shop!
It would be lovely to think that your lifetime’s collection is being visited and admired by others but I’d like to think that a legacy doesn’t always have to be tangible. Perhaps some of us have left behind something more ethereal. During my career I worked with many people who were at a crossroads. With support they were able to rebuild and sometimes prolong their lives, finding more satisfaction and happiness. However not all of them made it and it saddens me to think of those who continued to live a half-life or died before their time. I would love to know what happened to some of my clients and I hope they continued to flourish and grow. I take consolation in the fact that my legacy may be something that other people might not be able to visit and admire easily but is as important as a collection of Picasso paintings or Malibu Barbies. We all leave something behind when we go – what do you think your legacy will be?