What is the greatest desire people have before they die? Though many lists point to things like seeing the Northern Lights, conquering a fear or starting a business, most people would say they want to live a life that mattered.
Going on college visits with my senior makes me wonder as a mom if I have equipped him to do just that. Have I explained enough times that his actions make a difference? Did I prepare him for a world that’s full of distractions? Have I modeled what it looks like to leave a positive legacy?
Of course, I hope when he heads off to college next fall that he gets good grades, develops wise habits and does his laundry regularly. But more than anything, I hope he leads a life that positively impacts others.
Invest in Building People Up
Though I didn’t have the honor of knowing our newest barn hero Jennifer Romero, I know she accomplished living a life that mattered. There’s no question she was an excellent sow farm manager for Martin Family Farms, and the legacy she left of helping people become great in their roles on the farm and in life is far greater than she ever knew.
As a person who places a high value on relationships, talking to Romero’s family and colleagues reminded me of two very important lessons: Don’t take the people in your life for granted, and don’t miss the opportunities you get every day to make an impact on the lives of others. Read her incredible story here.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Minnesota pig farmers Dave and Tracie Mensink are living a life that matters by using conservation practices on their farm to boost productivity and profitability while building a legacy for future generations.
They are in the process of transitioning the farm to their son, Alex, and his wife, Katie. They are the first generation of Mensinks to farm their land, and he wants to make sure they aren’t the last, he says. Read how they are making this happen here.
From sustainability to succession planning, living a life that matters doesn’t happen by chance. It requires intentionality, sacrifice and hard work. Having a clear sense of why you do what you do and believing your actions contribute to something larger than yourself and lend to a life of purpose.
As another new year approaches, now is the perfect time to ask yourself the hard questions to make sure you are living in alignment with your purpose.
