The Love we leave behind

Today, I attended a funeral—a space that always feels like a crossroads of emotions. There’s grief, of course. But also an outpouring of love, memories, and quiet gratitude for the time we’ve shared with someone now gone.

Lately, I’ve been struck by how many of my friends have been navigating profound loss, particularly the loss of parents. It seems to be that time of year—the end and beginning of a calendar cycle—that reminds us just how fragile life can be. Standing there today, surrounded by people sharing stories of someone they loved dearly, I couldn’t help but think: in the end, what truly matters?

What’s left

When all is said and done, it’s not the accolades, the wealth, or the achievements that define a life. It’s the intangible marks we leave on others—the traces of love that linger long after we’ve gone. The small kindnesses, the time we spent being present, the warmth we shared with those around us. That’s what stays. That’s what endures.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and rush of life, chasing goals or worrying about things that feel urgent but, in reality, aren’t truly important. Days like today bring clarity. They remind me that if love is the legacy we leave behind, then how we choose to live right now matters deeply.

What really matters

  • Are we showing up for the people who matter most?
  • Are we making time for the things that nourish our souls and connect us to others?
  • Are we choosing compassion over judgment, forgiveness over grudges, and presence over distraction?

This midweek, I find myself reflecting on these questions and inviting you to do the same. What traces of love are you leaving behind today? Not someday, not when life “calms down,” but now.

let’s make it count

The truth is, none of us know how much time we have. But we do know this: the love we give, the relationships we nurture, and the kindness we show will live on far beyond us.

Let’s choose to live with that in mind. Let’s make it count.

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