to ask... what have you "made of your life"

[mypinkslippers]

What would be the one thing you would say when it all ends, that you "made" of your life. As in, what would be the one thing, if you had to quantify it in one achievement, that is your legacy on this earth, that is the most meaningful thing that you did?

I'm obviously asking for my own reasons. If it's more than one that's okay, but I'd like to know how people crystallise their achievements. I was musing on my life and I've done lots but I think it's a mid-life thing that I'm thinking, well when my child is older and I'm no longer a mother, what will I look back on?

Thank you for your help. Seeing what others believe to be their impact on this world will help my process.

I have achieved all I set out to do and more. I chose a vocational profession that would fit around a family. I married, had a child (after a lot of heartbreak and would have had more if age and nature were not against me). I had a successful business that I was able to sell and then semi retire ( I love my job too much to give up yet) in my mid fifties. I now work two days a week
Life has not been kind but I have learned resilience and that happiness has nothing to do with money.
We are celebrating 23 years of marriage today ( 30 yrs together).
Oh and I taught my son to drive ( gave up trying to find an instructor) and although he failed, it was due to brain block and sudden loss of common sense rather than crap instructor. So I do feel a success in life.

I have achieved not a lot at all, but I regret nothing.

I was loyal. I loved. I was loved.

*Failed his test today

Oh my God, @Ponoka7, what incredible advice. My own head is really bloody hard going.

I led delivery of a project that 10000 people use annually, which is the only successful attempt at delivering such a project in the UK. Numerous failed attempts.

I fought and succeeded in pushing out all the negative work practices in my old company, turning a toxic workplace into one which was collaborative and productive - as well as better paid with shorter working hours.

I got my husband to quit his job to move to a much nicer employer so that he's much happier.

I survived my burnout, and am now working part time for a charity.

I've written five books.

This.

You will always be a mother, even when they are adults 🙂

it’s a good question.

I’ve made a positive difference to peoples lives in my work and been a good friend and daughter, sibling.

I’ve raised children who are themselves contributing to the world positively.

I agree. Aiming to be a great ancestor is a very good goal. Be the person who does the right thing, who cares for people and planet.

So.... the most meaningful?

To me has to be our family life.
I love my life and the time I spend/spent with our DS. Being present (thanks PP great description for how I feel) was so important to me and those memories I treasure forever.
We have a house full of love and laughter (corny but true) that's what is most meaningful to me.

I always make sure I'm kind first, if you can treat everyone with kindness the world is a better place, Even if it a smile or hello to someone who's struggling, it makes a difference. I always try to think the best of people until they prove me wrong, people always say how kind I am, which is sad that should be a thing, shouldn't that be the norm.

@WildCoasts I find that really upsetting that you look at people like me like that. I do not have children - which are a cause for satisfaction in the lives of so many on this thread - but my work is a vocation for me and I hope that me doing my best has had a positive impact on the lives of others. I don’t regret the time I spend working and helping others and I don’t think I should be shamed for feeling (quietly!) proud of it either.

Successful career in finance, which I abandoned because I wanted more time with my children
Happy marriage to my DH
Blooming teaching career
Happy children, my biggest achievement❤️

I work in mental health and it is meaningful and fulfilling. I might not say on my deathbed that I wish I worked more, but I am proud of what I do, what I have acheived, and the difference my job can make to people's lives.

I have a loving family, husband and a good few friends.

That's good enough for me.

There's a lot of assumption here. The question asked in the thread is very personal so answers are going to reflect what is personal to each individual. What I value for my life is no reflection on anyone else's life or choices, or a judgement. I'm answering for me alone.

I have three degrees, I work in a human oriented field and I find it very satisfying. I totally get that occupations provide personal satisfaction and make a difference in the world. I'm proud of that too.

I've also faced my own near death and know what I reflected on when I survived. That influences my answer and I answered from an individual perspective. It doesn't invalidate your own experience or values, which are just as valid as mine.

Also, I'm an internet stranger so who cares what I think anyway?

I think when i taught English in Nepal...incredible.
Did research into rainforest ecology...ditto.
Getting a 1st in my cancer dissertation following my mum's death from cancer.

This is despite having chronic low self esteem and mh issues. I do struggle with my career ( mh issues) and the above were voluntary but I'm v proud of that.

And of course dd but not sure I'm the best mum in the world...have found it tough.

I am someone's lovely mother when my own mother was not lovely. I am a good and kind friend and animals like me. I have also made a difference to one or two people's lives with what seemed like a small thing at the time - one thing was just listening for a while to someone. I don't have a stellar career or even an interesting one but I do have interests which I follow up. I have handled a horrible childhood with uncommon grace I think.

That my DC grew up in a functional and loving family. I didn't.

That 30+ years on DH and I love each other a little more with every year that passes.