What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?

We wake up, get work, go back home and rinse and repeat – or at least it feels that way sometimes. In truth, there are a million moments in between where we interact with others and we can’t help but wonder what folks will think about us once we aren’t showing up, perhaps once we are gone. Some very thoughtful members of the community share their thoughts on this with us below.

Tamica Muschette

I would love for all to tell the best version of their vibes especially for myself.The ability to use minimum resources for maximum effort is achievable. We achieve more when we are like-minded and willing to work together, don’t force anything. God and Time to finish every task. Spread more Love. 12 million people in the world are where they are not suppose to be. Read More>>

Quan Michelle

When I’m gone, I hope people tell a story of persistence and dedication. I hope that they tell the world how I never gave up against all odds. I hope that my legacy is filled with inspiration, love, and encouragement. I always aim to help others and hope that those stories outlive me. Read More>>

Ashley Afdahl

For me, winning races or championships isn’t what I want the world to remember me for. Sure those things are cool and accomplishments you can be proud of but I want to be remembered for how I made people feel. Read More>>

Antonio Vasquez

The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I truly had fun — and that I made the people around me feel good and have fun too. That I had an incredible taste in music and in life itself. That I manifested my dream life and inspired others to believe they could do the same. Read More>>

Neelu Kaur

None Read More>>

Christopher ‘Click’ Thompson

When I’m gone, I hope people share their favorite moments that they had with me. I hope they smile when they hear my name, and it reminds them that I was a good man. A man of Faith. Read More>>

Bobby O’Gurek

I want to have a legacy where I made a positive impact in others lives. I love to make people happy and smile, just because I know the struggles in life and if I can provide that beacon of light of happiness and joy, I know that I did what I needed to do in this lifetime! Read More>>

Melissa Nordhoff

I hope they say I loved fiercely, had an adventurous spirit, and made a positive impact on those I came in contact with. An Emerson quote is my personal mantra: To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. Read More>>

Marcelo Azevedo

A person who has done good, who never wasted time speaking badly about others, and who, through Jiu-Jitsu, has been able to improve the lives of many people. Read More>>

Dee Wagner

I have researched the existing science and shared my understanding with other experts and with Porges himself, the creator of polyvagal theory. In that journey, I have found validation for my understanding. I have six peer-reviewed journal articles about my understanding of nervous system functioning. That is validating. I hope Chi for Two will become a way of living for all people. Read More>>

Franklin Davis

I hope the story people tell about me isn’t just about what I accomplished, but about who I was. I want to be remembered as someone who truly cared. A person who changed lives, touched hearts, and left people better than I found them. My grandmother is the perfect example of that kind of legacy. Read More>>

Lucine Flores

I hope people say that I lived a life of service, faith, and purpose. That I showed up for my community with love, whether through student leadership, my nonprofit, or simply being present as a daughter, sister, and friend. Read More>>

Karen Christians

Reflecting on the last 35 years of my artistic journey and the systems I’ve built to support artists, the word that continues to define my path is fearless. I have always believed that anyone can create a life of fulfillment if they commit fully to the work of building it. True teachers, in my view, are not made—they are born with the instinct to guide. Read More>>

Jeff Osuji

I hope people will say that I was an ecosystem builder — someone who created solutions that helped people feed their families and put them in positions to reach their goals. That I built platforms and opportunities that made a difference in their lives. Read More>>

Adam Cohen

I hope the story people tell is that I lived my life with courage, creativity, and generosity of spirit. That I took the raw material of struggle and turned it into something luminous – paintings they gave people a way to feel, to see, and to connect more deeply with themselves and the world. Read More>>

Milton Saul

When I’m gone, I want people to say that I encourage and motivated them to make choices that benefit their lives. That I inspired them to be passionate about their dreams and go after it. That I was a man of great character a loving Father, Husband Brother, Grandfather and Uncle. Read More>>

Andy Morales

I am committed to lifting up others. I refuse to be a gatekeeper and I embrace being myself. For me, success is shared: when I shine, we shine together, and I’m always willing to share what I have. I find profound satisfaction in helping others and practicing true empathy and I believe in demonstrating it through action, not just conversation. Read More>>

Kathyann Nicolas

When I’m gone, I hope people remember me as someone who empowered others, nurtured the next generation, and left a lasting impact through my businesses. People will recall my humility, kindness, and willingness to understand and support others, and that my legacy continues to inspire others to build, create, and give back. Read More>>

Deanna Radulescu

I hope people remember me as someone who lived unapologetically true to herself—someone who inspired others to break free from labels and embrace their own authenticity. I want them to say I brought honesty, courage, and compassion into every room I entered, and that I encouraged others to pursue their passions, speak their truth, and never settle for anything less than living fully. Read More>>

Michelle Navajas

I believe in making our dreams come true—because I am living proof that they do. Dreams, when paired with determination, skill, and consistent action, have the power to become reality. It doesn’t always happen right away, and rarely does it unfold exactly as we imagined. Read More>>

Steven Visualz

I hope people describe me as someone who brought a new, fun style to the Detroit rap scene and as someone who made an impact on the music world in general. I want to be a pioneer of how music videos look and are made in the future, creating something new and unique for the next wave of music. Read More>>

Gina Powers

I hope people will say that I showed up with heart. That I used my voice — in music and in life — to make people feel seen, comforted, or inspired. I hope they remember me as someone who stayed kind and authentic even when it was hard, who kept creating and connecting, and who left behind a little more light than I found. Read More>>

Christopher Jones

When I’m gone, I hope people remember me for my kindness and gentleness—as a great father, a devoted family man, and someone who would give the shirt off his back or his last dollar to anyone in need. I’ve always felt like a protector, not just of those close to me, but even of strangers. Read More>>

Lenaille Smith

I hope people say I was a man who bet on himself, created opportunities where none existed, and pulled others up with him. That I came from Cleveland with nothing guaranteed, trusted God, worked relentlessly, and built businesses that gave people second chances and families financial stability. Read More>>

Joanne Cherisma

I want to be remembered as someone who lived with integrity and was trustworthy. I hope to be remembered as a kind and considerate person who made those around them feel loved, valued, and seen. I hope my story of resilience will encourage people in the face of adversity. Read More>>

Brie Burgett

I hope people will say I inspired them to stop putting limits on themselves—to chase the goals that felt too big or too out of reach. I want to be remembered as someone who lived fully, led with courage, and showed that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they refuse to quit. Read More>>

Heather Roberts

I hope people say I didn’t just build a company but that I rewrote the rules. That I showed it was possible to scale something massive without selling out, to make generosity and integrity the engine instead of the afterthought. I want the story to be: she built a system where business restored people instead of depleting them. Read More>>

Moschè

Despite all of the set backs, being misunderstood and plotted against, you can still win and keep your heart pure No matter the setbacks, the missteps, or the schemes against you, victory is possible, just keep your heart pure. Read More>>

Jameel Oliviera

When I’m gone, I’m gone so I’ll leave that to the ones that I love that’s left behind to tell that story led by my two son’s. Read More>>

Wendy Raizin

I hope people say that I had a ton of energy and was willing to use every facet of my natural abilities to try new things, learn new skills and help more people. A Renaissance woman is a description I wouldn’t be opposed to. LOL Read More>>

Jacqueline Williams

I hope others remember me for qualities like kindness, courage, integrity, love, service, and the impact I had on lifting others up. I desire to be known as an overcomer, a person who lived with purpose, broke negative cycles, and made a genuine difference in the lives of others through my actions and the ‘body of work’ I leave behind. Read More>>

Daniel Narcisse

I would like to be remembered as a bridge. Someone who bridged the gaps and changed perceptions for the better and made a difference in doing what he was best at. I hope now when I do public or private events I leave people with a memory that will be cherished and just to be apart of it is a privilege and honor. Read More>>