Honoring Our Legacy, Essay Example

Many people believe that life is what one makes it. In other words, one can choose his/her own destiny. Nonetheless, so much of one’s life is centered on the legacy of one’s fore parents. From the time of birth until death, one is know by his/her family name. This fact can affect a person both positively and negatively.  Most people live by standard, morals, and cultures that have been instilled in them. For example, most people will not do something that they feel bring shame to their family name. As a result, so many people live their lives trying live up to a good family name or restore a good name that has been tainted by some error. Sadly, many people live their entire lives without pursuing goals or becoming who they were intended to be because they fear being ostracized by family members.  If a family has flourished for many generations, younger members of that family are pressured to be successful in the eyesight of older members of that family. Often, what older members deem as successful is not what younger members see as being successful. Many older people believe that younger members must follow in the footsteps of the older members. Often that means taking on a family job. For example, sometimes that can mean becoming a teacher, lawyer, doctor, or business owner just because the family is known for that particular trade.

More important that carrying on a family traditions, families should try to instill values in all of the members. Values are something that is taught through doing, not just telling. Values are much different from beliefs or choices. When parents instill values in their children, they are assuring that their children will make good choices regardless to the circumstances. If making the right choice means that one many not be popular or successful, a person with values will be unwavering.  By teaching one’s children this, one is guaranteeing that that child will most likely live a happy life because leading a life that is consistent with one’s values is optimal for happiness.  Everyone has heard the old saying that actions speak louder than words. It is true. One’s values are on display each day in many ways. This is observed by friends, family, and the communities in which one lives. The way one spends his money, time, and the company one keeps is a direct reflection of the values one possesses. Parenting skills also play a role in legacies. If parents ensure that children know the value of work and commitment, they are ensuring strong values and work ethics for the future generations. However, if parents are very relaxed and allow children to govern themselves, they will not get favorable outcomes. Often children do not like to carry through with projects they start when the task becomes too difficult. If parents allow children to quit when it gets difficult, they will become adults that quit when things become difficult.

When parents want to raise children who are grounded in strong values, motivated, and determined, they must possess these qualities themselves. Values direct every aspect of one’s life. For example, one who has great values will be charitable. They will help when they can.  That means giving time and money to worthy causes.  When children grow up seeing a parent who does this, they too will be charitable.  However, if a family trying to teach this to their children by word of mouth and not be actions, the outcome may not be pleasing. Children pay attention to everything because they are watching it from untainted eyes. Families with strong, practiced, values, even in the face of adversity will ensure that their legacy will be carried on by future generations.