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Chris Brady, George Guzzardo, Jill Guzzardo, Legacy, Orrin Woodward, the-life-business, the-team.biz
Recently I have been reviewing Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady’s best selling book, Launching a Leadership Revolution. This was the first leadership book I ever received and read and I have re-read and studied this book more times than I can even count. I absolutely love it and it’s a favorite of mine. My most recent talk for the-life-business was at an open meeting where we reviewed the three levels of motivation found in Woodward and Brady’s book.
When you begin to study motivation, it really does motivate you! I spent some time talking with a woman who was 82 years old the other day. She was in an assisted living facility where, because of some health issues, she couldn’t take care of herself on her own anymore. Her husband had already passed away and she only had one son who never married and moved away about 13 years ago. I could tell there was an emptiness inside her as her only son calls about once a month and has only visited once since she first moved in over a year ago. I began to ask some questions about her life and some of the memories she had from when she was younger. But the responses I got were completely not what I expected. I knew this was a divine appointment.
Looking back on her life, she shared some regrets. Her first regret was not having more children. In her generation, it was not uncommon for families to be 5-10 children deep. She had mentioned that in her earlier days, prior to being married, she experienced sexual abuse which scared her to the point that she never wanted to get married or have children. She said that if it wasn’t for the stigma and pressure for women to be married back then, she might have been alone her entire life. She carried that fear with her and was never able to resolve it even after having a child. She said her second regret was not having a better relationship with her son. She knew that he was her priority but because she couldn’t erase the memories from her past, she just ‘did what she had to do’ to raise her son but that was it. As he grew up, he became more and more distant to the point where he moved out at 16 years old. Her son is now in his early 50’s and he too never got married or had children. Her last regret was that she feels like she wasted most of her life by living in the past. She told me that as a child, she wanted to be an actress and travel all over the world. She loved being in the spotlight and making people happy and said she was a very lovable young lady. After the abuse, she couldn’t imagine being in the spotlight. She gave up on all her dreams and isolated herself from the world for years. After she married, she said her relationship with her husband was cold and distant and she said if it wasn’t for her commitment to God at the alter, she would have never stayed with him. “We were basically roommates” She said.
Today, looking back she wishes she would have pursued her dream of acting. She wishes she had a better relationship with her husband and son and she wishes she could go back in time and start over and live a more purposeful life. Now she lives with the pain of regret. Upon learning all this, I feared asking her about legacy because I didn’t want to hurt or offend her, but ended up asking anyways since she seemed to be very comfortable around me. I proceeded with, “Now I know I am young but I think about this all the time. I think about my actions today as a reflection of my legacy later. I don’t know how long I will be here so I want to make sure my actions count now. Have you thought about your legacy and what type of legacy you would like to leave behind?” I may be a bit naive but again her response surprised me. She told me that practically her entire life she didn’t even think about the end of her life. She focused so much on things in the moment that the future rarely entered her subconscious. She knew that if she thought about the future, it would guilt her into changing and pursuing something bigger. She felt safe in her mediocre lifestyle and was afraid of letting go of her past. She was trapped in her own thoughts and found peace there. But now looking back she says she thinks about legacy all the time. Although now she feels it’s too late. I tried to encourage her and offer some suggestions so that she could find peace with her regrets and still leave a positive legacy. I also asked if I could share her story with others to give hope to those struggling with an addiction, abuse, trauma, divorce, neglect or any other crisis so they could hopefully overcome those struggles and still be able to live a life of significance and not look back on their life with regrets. She was so delighted by that and I could just feel the weight of regret being lifted off her shoulders. I told her I would help her leave a legacy that will impact so many lives through her story. I will also continue to visit her and help her relive the positive memories from her past and share comments from people who have been impacted by her story.
In the beginning I mentioned that I was going to discuss the three levels of motivation found in Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady’s book and now you may be wondering why I shared this long story of a woman you don’t even know. It’s because the deepest level of motivation (Level 3) is purpose, destiny and legacy. All motivation comes from within. You are responsible for discovering what motivates you. Level 1 – Material success and level 2 – recognition and respect are, in my perspective, short term and short lived. You will always have level 1 and level 2 ‘motivators’ but if after you think about those, you are still laying on the couch watching TV, then chances are you are not motivated by them. Eventually you will need to get in touch with the deepest level of motivation – purpose, destiny and legacy. It may not be a primary motivator right away and that is why it is level 3. My prayer is that you think about it, discover it and pursue it.
This lady (who will remain nameless until I ask her permission to use her full name), understands now more than ever that life is so short. And if we are going to do something that’s going to impact the world, we need to start now. As Jill Guzzardo says, “you don’t have a thousand years to do this.” George Guzzardo says, “In all of civilization, our history has only lasted just a dot.” We have a big job to do if we are to change the cycle of decline our country is facing right now. It is our responsibility and our legacy to leave for the next generation. What will you do with your life that will be remembered throughout history?
Please share/comment at the bottom of this post how this one woman’s story has impacted you. She will be overfilled with joy to know that it’s not too late for her to make an impact and leave a legacy. Your comments do matter!
Also, take a look at this fantastic talk Orrin Woodward shared on Legacy:
Blessings, Kristen
Kristen, Powerful! Makes you think deeply about what you do and why you do it. You are making a difference. George
Sure does George, we all need these reminders now and again! Thanks for your commitment to your purpose and legacy, you are leaving a lasting ripple effect!
That is a powerful story. Could you please thank here from me. I am going to pass this story on to many people. It really made me think more about my legacy. I already have due to the LIFE business and materials, but it was just a good reminder mot to live for the moment, but to look ahead and make decisions to impact that future.
God Bless you Kristen and the lady in the story. (She really is making a difference through her story) Thank you Kristen for forwarding that story.
Definitely will Jeremy! Thank you for your comments, I will be sure to pass it on to her. Keep leading by example and making a difference!
Thanks for sharing this story Kristen. I was actually tearing up as I read this. I hope you will share the comments you get from us with her. Its never to late to leave a legacy. Its wonderful you have the means to share her story with hundreds of people, and make a difference with it. I agree with you, it was a divine appointment to you to be there that day.
Andrea, I certainly will pass on her comments to you guys! Thank you for being a part of her legacy. I will be seeing her later this week to chat and I look forward to her response as she finds out she is helping others through her story.
Kristen, tis is so true. We should not let one bad thing that has happened in our lives ruin our furture. As they say stuff happens, get up and make a change. I think the ladies story will help many people in their journey. Thank you for the information.
Amen Sheila! We all have ‘baggage’ that we carry with us throughout our lives. It’s what we do with that baggage that will determine the course we take with our life. I chose to leave mine at the cross. This woman may not have had the resources or guidance back then as we do now. Thank you Sheila for your encouraging words, you are making a difference!
Kristen, how powerful and blessed that you came to her that day. There are so many of us that have halted a portion of our life, or affected others due to the abuse we endured. This story speaks to me and gives me a renewed spirit to not make the past my legacy; but to work harder to over come. Thank you to both this precious lady and to you for sharing this with us. Those of us that are the abused who seem to be doing ok despite the past; and those that are the abusers. This can change both sides of the coin if the person or persons affected decide to take heed and change what their future holds.
Kathy, thank you for your transparency in your comment. You are right, we have all halted a portion of our life due to some type of struggle that we didn’t know how to face or overcome. It’s encouraging to know that you are on the right track, making a difference and changing your script. God Bless you on your journey!
Kristen, what a great article. Please thank her for sharing her story, she will never really know the ripple effect sharing her story will cause. Today it is us reading, relating, learning from her experiences and some of us will be taking action to avoid some of those regrets she now faces. Then many more will see changes on those who choose to learn from her experiences. Dearest lady I pray to God that you are able to free yourself from the regrets you now carry and move forward knowing that God’s grace is ever reaching, ever lasting and His love covers all wrongdoing we can do or imagine. May His peace be with you now and forever and may He grant you the wisdom to learn from your life experience and share so others learn from it too. I also pray for your son and your relationship with him. May God guide you and show you the bridge to get across the turbulent waters and find peace and joy within. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Great story, Kristin, in light of the passionate seminar we all experienced Saturday night in Middleton. Everything we listen to and read is important, especially legacy.
We are all blessed to have a legacy on the horizon. I’m glad the woman’s life won’t go to waste. She does and will make a difference. Thanks again for reminding all
of us about this powerful lesson.
You bet Randy! It’s never too late to leave a positive and impactful legacy. I commend you for changing your script and chasing your dreams!
Wow! Thank you so much for this Imelda! I am sure I will receive some tears after reading this to her. You are such an amazing woman who is making such a difference in people’s lives. God Bless you in all that you do!
Kristen: This story undoubtablly shows us it is not to late what ever your age to begin a change of mind and heart. This woman reliizes she can make a difference even now.
There diffinent ly is no tomorrow. Today is the day go make difference and build a legacy for those you care about. Keep keeping on everyone of us will make it happen.
Blessings to all –Bill–
Amen Bill, you are a true example of this and your courage to pursue excellence and live your purpose is an example we should all follow. So blessed to know you and be in the battle with you!
Kristen! Your heart rocks.
I am excited to share this story with my family. When reading it I got excited about my future, and how blessed I am with where I am at in LIFE, and the fantastic information I have my hands on. I would like to thank the wonderful lady that you talked with that was courageous enough to look back upon her life, and teach from it so others can learn from it. I hope she will realize the ripple effect and legacy that her story will have on my family alone as i share her story with them. Tell her I said thank you and God bless please! I hope one day I can leave as big of a ripple effect as she has. 🙂
Thanks Kristen! Keep leading wonderful lady!
-Bobbie
Bobbie, thank you so much for your wonderful comments. It is so refreshing to know men and women who have a passion for making a difference. You comments couldn’t have been more timely as I will be seeing this incredible woman tomorrow morning and I can’t wait to share with her what you wrote. Keep leading and making a difference, your ripple effect is already in progress. God Bless!
Wow! We always say that the best teacher is someone else’s experience. While I’m so sorry for this lady with her regrets, I’m thankful that she is willing to be so transparent and share them for the benefit of others. She has much to teach those of us who take our time and relationships for granted.
Absolutely Chris! As I have gotten to know her, I can tell that she has a new sense of life and happiness back in her by being able to share her story. She has even said that she wishes she would have not been so afraid in her younger days to speak out because she feels she could have helped a lot more people. We can certainly all learn from this!
Thank you for posting this story Kristin. It makes me think about the legacy I will leave for my children.
Thanks Lena for your comment. Our awareness of this is so key if we want to make an impact in the next generation. God Bless!
wow! Thank you to the woman who shared this with you …. we can learn and grow from others whether it be from books or a verbal testament. Thank you for having the Courage to take a chance to ask her the right questions to help her open up and actually become a friend. I hope and pray for her that she understands … a Legacy at any age is worth it. She sticks around you she is in great hands …. a friend … a Leader with a Servant attitude… a person who is leading by example. I am sure after hearing some of these responses she will realize that her story does not fall on deaf ears … thank you for sharing !
Thanks Rob for your kind words! It has already been so inspiring to her that her story is affecting so many lives. She has certainly impacted me in more ways than one! We can certainly all learn a great deal from her testimony. Thanks for your leadership!!
A great post and my first thought is to simply say thank you for having the conversation you did. That step is a step few take – to honor those that have gone before and to seek the wisdom of those with experience. I’m certain that you proved to be quite the blessing to this wonderful woman. Press on friend.
Thanks Chuck, we all have a responsibility to take time with our elders no matter how busy we may be. I have realized this more as my grandma is 87 and quickly declining in her health. They have a lifetime of knowledge we have not experienced yet and that is time to be cherished. Thanks for reading and I pray Barb’s story impacted you in some way. God Bless!
Wow! Kristen I was at your talk in Madison and reading the post added to what was already an powerful talk. I am thankful that you decided to pursue your legacy. the impact you are already having will reach generations I believe. I know in our family the kristen Seidel name is one of legend and courage surrounded with grace. We are proud to be running along side of you in the LIFE journey. God speed
Matt. thanks for your kind and encouraging words! It is because of leaders like you and Michelle, who choose to go out night after night sharing truth with the masses, that people like me can have an ounce of courage to do the same. Thank you for paving the trail for all of us! The Mielke name and story is shared in almost every plan I show. You both are making a huge impact in this world.
Kristen,
WOW!!!!
What a powerful story and one I am sure can be told by many others.
I just left a comment on steveleurquinintentionalliving.com wondering how few people even think of their life’s purpose? One of my interests in pursuing the building of the LIFE Community is to help people identify and pursue their purpose. I believe a lost people produces a lost nation and right now we are quickly becoming a lost people.
Thank you so much for this article. I plan to re-post this on my blog because of the power it can have in others and that it has had in me reading it.
I am so impressed with the wisdom you have and look forward to seeing the impact on the many lives you will touch.
Keep sharing
Greg, thank you so much for your comments! I agree, the LIFE business is a vehicle that we can use to lead people to the truth and discover their purpose. Thank you for your courage to lead so many lost people to LIFE because we know the impact it can have on those who pursue it. You are certainly a leader worth following! God Bless you in all that you do!
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