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A life of purpose cannot be defined by a singular accomplishment. Each person has a unique combination of gifts and abilities that make up their contribution to the world. I highly encourage reaching for the stars, but you don’t have to be a Pulitzer Prize winner to leave a legacy. Leaving a legacy and living a life with no regrets is more about embracing the lessons life teaches. It is about having the wisdom to grow, learn, expand and change when needed.

So What Exactly is a Legacy?

A legacy is what you leave behind for the world to remember. It can be the influence you had on a friend or the job you performed as a parent. It can be a charitable contribution or the impact you made on the business world.

Large or small, we are all leaving a legacy. Living a life with no regrets involves defining what you want that legacy to be. Don’t let someone else decide. Only you know what type of life you want to lead. It is never too late to leave a mark, even if it is as simple as a smile or a kind word for those around you. Many times we underestimate the impact of a small gesture. Kind expressions, no matter how seemingly insignificant, may be the thing that people remember about you after your time has passed.

How to Live with No Regrets

Living a life free of regrets involves letting go. It involves letting go of the would-have, should-have, could-have mentality. Dwelling on how you could have lived differently is detrimental to your spirit. Sometimes we do the best we can with the knowledge we have at the time. Frequently the wrong choices bring us to the right places. Make the choice now to forgive yourself, as the world needs the best of you. You cannot give your best when you dwell on past hurts or perceived mistakes.

Another part of leaving a legacy is living a full life that you love and which you are sharing with others. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What have I enjoyed most in my life so far?
  • What am I passionate about?
  • What would I like to be remembered for?

Questions like these can be powerful in defining your goals and moving you into a life that you are proud to live.

To live a life with no regrets, leave behind a legacy for your family and the world by simply enjoying your life daily. Forgive yourself and others, follow your own path, seek happiness in the little things, and find something you enjoy that allows you to share and give back. Be kind and gracious to those you meet and embrace the joyful life you were meant to live.

As Benjamin Disraeli said, “Man is only truly great when he acts from his passions.”

Live out your passions and rest assured that you can leave this life with no regrets.

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Marion Witte holds bachelors degree in business administration and accounting, and she has received several academic and professional awards, including graduating Summa Cum Laude from college and completing her education in three years. Upon passing the licensing exam while a junior in college, she became the youngest CPA in the United States that year. While in Minneapolis she worked for an international public accounting firm and she served as president of the National Association of Accountants and the American Society of Women Accountants. She moved into general business management after leaving public accounting, and served as the executive vice president for one of the largest tour operators in the upper Midwest. Upon moving to California, she became a partner in a jewelry manufacturing company, and subsequently formed a computer consulting firm, a real estate development company, a CPA firm and a publishing company.

In 2011, Marion  completed her memoir - Little Madhouse on the Prairie - which relays the story of her life. By shedding light on the cultural roots of her own abuse, she sets the stage for a way out of the cycle of violence against all children. Her memoir suggests ways one can heal from the wounds of their abuse, which if left untreated can lead to self-destruction. By telling her story, she hopes to open readers’ eyes to the serious and long-term damage caused by all forms of childhood mistreatment. She believes that only through awareness, education and healing can society prevent such future violence.

She founded and manages the Angel Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to parental assistance and empowering youth. She is also the Editor in Chief of the Foundation’s sister websites - Next Generation Parenting and Brave New Leaders.

Marion created The Wise Woman Collection, a series of books devoted to education, inspiration and transformation. She has recently completed two books in that collection – Courage of the Soul and The No-Regrets Bucket List, and is working on a third – Simple Treasures – a collection of her poetry and illustrations.

She is currently working with Girls, Inc. and the public school system to develop a self-esteem empowerment program titled Incredible Me for teenage girls.

Marion resides in Ventura, California, where she pursues her Foundation, writing and speaking activities.

For more information, please visit wisewomancollection.com

Comments (3)

  1. That was such an uplifting read 🙂 Thanks so much for your insightful advice. It is true that being passionate about something brings happiness and little regrets.

    Val

  2. […] Living a life free of regrets involves letting go. It involves letting go of the would-have, should-have, could-have mentality. Dwelling on how you could have lived differently is detrimental to your spirit. Sometimes we do the best we can with the knowledge we have at the time. Frequently the wrong choices bring us to the right places. Make the choice now to forgive yourself, as the world needs the best of you. You cannot give your best when you dwell on past hurts or perceived mistakes….Finish reading on InspireMeToday.com for Marion’s advice on exploring your own needs and dream… […]

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