What is your legacy? It's the footprints of our lives that we leave behind. No matter what profession, industry or company I am working for I want to leave behind a good impression; a great legacy. In my personal life with family and friends it is the same. I would love to leave a nice legacy behind so I am remembered in a good way. Gee, I wonder why it is not advisable to leave a "bad taste" in another's mouth and subsequently burn the bridges, so to speak. If it really has come to that point it has become a situation of moral failure.
When I die NO ONE is going to remember me for my computer skills in Photoshop and the way I can blur out the crows feet at the corner of my eyes by using the blur tool. NO ONE is going to remember me for how many transactions I have had in my life or how good a blog I had. They are going to remember me for the kind of person I was. The demeanor I carried. The soul I had.
The quality of my relationships with other people is what I will be remembered for and the most important part of MY LEGACY will be what my children will carry on from the qualities that came from me. The morals, values and the sense to be REAL. This is being honest with myself.
All the money, fame and fortune will not give me the reward I feel inside for the demons I have conquered in my life and the obstacles overcome; to become the person I am today.
So. Being honest with myself and with all of you. Why am I here posting my heart away on Active Rain? Hmmm....
- Someone will use something from what I am writing about (whatever you can't use...just throw it away)
- I will gain more insight from something I am reading (regardless what the subject is about, I am learning)
- I achieved the knowing of what "MY VOICE" was and when it arrived was when I no longer wanted to "be like" the other bloggers. It happened when I realized that it had to come from me and writing from the inside to out.
- Compassion to help others who are willing to ask for it.
- To read even the negative things. WHY? Because it keeps me in check with me and the learning lesson from the negative stuff that gets thrown in front of me is what I DON'T want to be like.
- Help a new member if they need it. (Need a little kick start, inspiration or just a friendly ear? I'm here)
- And also for my business. Yes, all these posts go into the Google. (I am even found when looking for Hawaiian Superstitions.)
- I want the public, members, consumers to know who I AM. (I work with client's who "click" with me. I can afford to have that choice....if not, I pass or share with another agent. I want members who "click" with me. Why would I want to associate with the neggies?)
- I am here to SOCIALIZE too! Why? This is the best thing since Real Estate Conventions! We mingle, we read, we talk and we find out what kinds of personalities are out there. (I love people. I love positive people. If I didn't love positive people I would be stuck in the past feeding off all the neggies of yesteryear. ....no wonder I was so messed up back then!
- And most of all...for the friends I have made along the way.
I have learned more about myself and others from the interacting with others here on Active Rain. Do I boost the Network and glorify it? Of course! Some people fail to remember what was given to them for nothing. A chance to network and mingle with our peers. It's sad that some are ungrateful and utilize it to create havoc.
So, The Legacy that I will leave behind on Active Rain (and I'm saying this in case I live to 80 and still blogging on Active Rain) will be one of a positive nature. I am the woman who respected others and had good relationships with others here. Who gave hope to those who thought the little bit of negativity was not worth hanging around. Who just wants to be detached from the "MALCONTENTS". Who made REAL friends.
MY LEGACY IS ALL ABOUT THE QUALITY OF RELATIONSHIPS I HAVE WITH OTHERS (and that I have already passed to my children).
And..... Without that quality, tell me.....what is a Professional worth?
All content is the property of Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman 2007
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Mililani Hawaii Real Estate Blog 2007


I usually put these types in members or certain groups. I figured what is all this worth if I can't share with everyone? I write all different kinds of posts on anything and everything. No matter what...Katerina...the public can join Active Rain and everything becomes "public" anyway. Thanks for coming by with your kind comments as well.
This is an excellent post, Sally. Love it!! What a thoughtful and sensitive article to read late at night before retiring. Something to ponder while falling asleep. Such inspiration!! It really does boil down to the impact you make on others, and the quality and meaning of those relationships, and not your accomplishments or your money.
Jeff
Earle: Thanks so much for your unreal feedback and insight into your own life....I really appreciate that! I always write about how well I sleep at night...your comment will make this all worthwhile. And again....I will sleep well tonight!
Jeff: Well, I often joke about my small townhouse and the simple life I have. You know what? It's really my life. Simple and look at the more "rewarding" aspects of life itself. I learned long ago when I changed my life around that I would focus on my legacy that I will leave behind. Thanks ...
The concept of legacy really hits home with kids in the picture.
Beautiful post Sally and right on the money as to what's important and what's not. You are a bright light here on Active Rain. Your warmth and positive attitude are an inspiration to us all.
One thing though...I would like to know what the blur tool is and how you get rid of the crows feet :-)
Mahalo sweet Sally. I fear there are many who have gone on to other things because of a few negative comments they may have received. It is sad, because if they had just hung in there, they would have discovered something the incredible free gift you so elequently wrote about. This wonderful AR is free. Pretty amazing!
Now about that removal of crows feet thingie---LOL
Jeff: Yes it does....and we see it while their growing up...in their behaviors. I sure love my kids. They may be 25 and 26 but their still babies to me.
Earle: Will check out shortly.
Melody: You're funny...My husband got me Adobe Photoshop CS2 (the elite of the photo enhancing, correcting, cloning and whatever software) I still don't know a lot but it was mandatory for my pictures! At 50 yrs. in two month the need to be vain applies. lol!
Marlene: I have just gotten a couple...the most recent one was really bad. That's okay. I for one know that there will always be a couple of wacked out people in the thousands of members....just like in real life. Funny, face to face I never have a problem. Here it is inevitable.
You women...read the comment to Melody about the crows feet blurring tool (and the aging spot removal tool too! lol!
I'm trying to leave a legacy for my childred of love, happiness and family get-togethers. Not so much the material items but the 'non-touchy' type items.
My mom kept diaries from before she was married until the day she died. She had everyone of those diaries in a box in the garage, everyone but the one she had been currently writing in. She died just 6 months after my dad...and mostly the writings stopped the day he died... but there were a few more...she was not a whole person without daddy...the night she died, she somehow knew it was happening...she wrote on the back of a large envelope about how she was feeling. I have read everyone of her diaries...they showed a special side of my mom that I never knew before. I still have all of them stashed in a box in our closet...when we first read them we found secrets that had been kept...now, since I've pulled through some of my 'ghosts' I want to go back and see if there is any indication of why/where/how....answers I need answered for myself...and have no where to go for them except these diaries. What a legacy that is! The AWESOME things of her life, the sad, the hurt, the pain, the joy, and love....Over 40 years almost every day.
Mary: What a story! My mom's family is sooo secretive. Only the last few years my mom has spilled bits and pieces. She'll be 80 in January and I fear I won't hear all. She didn't keep diaries and most like felt ashamed of everything she hasn't told us.
With me....well, you see how I spill out everything about myself. Well, my kid's know 10X more....and proud of me for who I am...not what I was not. Funny how back then our mom's didn't know how to express themselves....not allowed. Hey...I'm glad our society broke loose....I really would have been looked down on back then huh? Have a good night...and thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Woo Hoo! Looks like everyone beat me to your post and all the cool things I would say ,have already been said.
Now I will have to write something original. Give me a moment and I will construct it.....
"Our lives are but for a moment in time but our souls shall exist forever. Our legacy is like a flower that goes to seed. They fall to the ground but the magic is yet to spring to life. The universe blows a wind and sends these seeds out and this time they anchor and as they set their roots, the flowers inside work their way out and come to life. They are unique except that they are not. They are the legacy from which they came and the process repeats itself for all eternity. We are the seed like that from a flower and we exist for all eternity as ever new seed. Your seed made a magnificent flower and thankfully it shall be for all eternity. " WEJ 07/10/2007
I am so glad I have had a chance to know you. It was an inspiring post obviously and I hope you enjoyed what you brought forth. William
Thank you so much for your kindness and your sincere compliments. WOW, I am not that good. I was blessed with something I am just not sure what it is.
There is a very well known attorney and is wife in their mid 80's. I have known them for years and they are like family. I see them every year and spend time with them. The reason I mention it is that for his and her Birthdays, I write. I write more creatively than I knew I could and when I read it , I am always shocked with what is there. It just sort of flows. I get a call from them and he would say, "I went back to read my birthday card and what you wrote makes me feel so incredible. It was then that I realized what my little gift was for. Exactly what I use it for. To enhance the lives of those that have great meaning in my life. What is interesting Sally is that when I read back what I write, it is as though my eyes were blind and it isn't untill its finished that I even realize what came out. One more anecdote and its lights out.
I got this idea once for one of his birthday cards to write every adjective that I could think of that fit him. He and he wife have done more for more people that my mind could even fathom. He is on a lot of Boards and is a Trustee of a University back east. His card had to have two full pages added for all the adjectives I chose. His comments were that as an attorney, he was acquainted with about 99% of the words. The 1% additional he said enlivened his spirit. Goal accomplished!
I would remember your kindness, you sense of fun and the way you reached out to all of us. You are brave, strong, and confident in yourself. In my memory, you would be laughing. And you are beautiful.
I am lucky to have met you.
Well said my friend... I tell people all the time when buying a home ... don't spend the top of your price range... Don't be house poor. No one will remember you for "the house you owned". It is all about the quality of life and the friends and people you touch along the way. Great lesson to pass along. Have a great day.....
P.S. this was my view from the townhome we always stayed at in Kauai - I wouldn't mind being there right now
Sally,
I think you will be blogging away well past 80 :0) If the kind of legacy that you want to leave behind is amazingly positive then I think you are on the right path, Now I will think about what I would want to leave behind, I think if I can leave my children as great happy people who loved their father very much, that might work for me....
Take care,
Tom
Sally, I How was your sleep? I am sure great! I just wanted to thank you for your kind words. You are always so great. I look forward to reading more of your blogs. I really need to look into Hawaii more. I have only been there once. I got my rental car stolen at Pearl Harbor. Besides that, we went to Paradise Cove and swimming at Wimaya Falls( okay, I screwed up that spelling) Sorry. I want to go back and really enjoy Hawaii next time. See ya. Earl
Sally - you are BEAUTIFUL inside and out, and you shine through in every single one of your posts. Your legacy is all the people you touch every day, in all the many ways you do so. It's about priorities, and quailty of life as Desiree said above. And it seems you have all that and then some.
I am so glad we met here on AR - would love to some day get to actually meet you in person, and see that wonderful oasis of a garden you have created.
You live in what many consider to be paradise, and you bring that paradise to each of us every day - that is a very nice part of your legacy, and one I thank you for.
Ann
William: Yes, you are that good. And take it from someone who is looking from the outside in that you have something special going on there and I KNOW it reflects the kind of person you are and in your professional life. I KNOW you have happy client's as well.
Sarah: You're just a liitle pumpkin...darn, you are the little sister I never had. I tell you what little girl, I will remember your soft spoken "words", the sparkle that permeate from your thinking to written word. The ideals, morals and values you are instilling in your children....your legacy. I'm glad I met you too.
Missy: I for one value my interactions with people highly. If not for the quality there would be no quantity. Who wants a "professional" who has not a bit of positive personality?
Carole: It wasn't so much the name...mine has changed back and forth ...but the morals/values instilled in us which pass to the children and it surely is a vicious cycle if the morals/values are dysfunctional. Know what I mean?
Cathy: Your sister sounds like someone a lot of us would have loved to interact with. (actually, she sounds like the agent that I know I project to my client's as well.) She passed her legacy to you....and it sounds like you are carrying on. Our market is on the high side and when I see how hard some other states have lower priced homes and how hard some agents have to work...my goodness. It takes a lot of hard work.
Desiree: Where is the view? Beautiful!
Tom: I see you as that already. Keep it up Tom....and hanging around the positively positive people really helps as well.
Dianne: Yup. Three different people with different...but similar values. There's MANY more here...believe me!
Earle: Slept well. Thanks.
Cheryl: Thanks so much Cheryl. It's more than positive...it's motivating, inspirational, and being compassionate. Thank you!
Ann: More than you know..you are an inspiration as well. Thanks for the heartfelt comment and the appreciation of our lovely state that I try to bring a "little" of to all of you.
Laurie: You are way though provoking as well. I bet you could whip something up in your unique way!
Sally, good post as usual. Blur out the crow's feet? What crow's feet? LOL.......I never even have my RE photo or any other for that matter, touched up. I dislike that tight look! Well, I like it if it's real.
About footprints.....absolutely true. Love it.
Joan: Thank you for being a part of it too!
George: That's correct! (How come I have to go into such detail...I could have tuned it down into those few sentences lol!)
Terri: Why...does my picture look tight? Hahahha...(getting all paranoid now)
Sally,
Again, another beautiful post! You are without a doubt a very positive an influential person, I always look forward to reading what you have to say! :)
Sally
You don't really need another comment! But I just wanted to say this was such a beautiful post. Well written and very expressive of who you are. You're my kind of gal and you speak what is in my heart and how Ihave tried to live my life. :)
Suzanne: Thanks Suzanne...and I always look forward to your popping by!
Teri: This is me!
Roberta: Thanks Roberta. You are very expressive yourself!
Woo Hoo Sally...
I admire how comfortable you and some of the other Ladies are when it comes to blogging with this kind of passion.
I need to work on the passion thing. Or not :)
TLW...ROAR!
Sally~
I just got home from a challenging day. I wondered about what it meant to those I spoke--would we continue to cast a shadow on this land--leave scars for our grandchildren to try to fix? . As a REALTOR who loves the idea of stewardship, short-sightedness is something I grapple with on a daily basis.
And now I am reading your post. Here is yet another reason why I subscribe to your BLOG. Somehow you create the magic of communication and inspiration out of "the ethers"...THIS is an amazing gift...and that you share it so generously may be one of your finest legacies.
Just so you know, I've given this a "5" meaning I would like to see it Featured.
TLW: You just be you...that's how it's supposed to be. And that's why we luv ya! For being soooo you.
janeAnne: Hmm...I think that's exactly how it was for me...my Japanese side grandparents were sooo into that way of life (even living on Kauai) that it was ingrained into my mom, here 7 siblings and they really have some stuff going on. My mom saves everything from plastic bags to washing saran wrap. okay...going deep. Anyway, I often wonder why some don't agree that this should only be for real estate articles when our relationships with other people do relate....HIGHLY. (okay...that's just my opinion)
Sally, no it doesn't look tight, but did you use that blur out tool? Come ON Sally, it can be just between us.
Sally , Thank you for a beautiful post filled with inspirational and heart-felt messages and TRUTH. I like the old adage 'if you can't say something good, don't say anything at all'. I also enjoy people most who give more than they take and always leave a person feeling happier about being who they are and about being here on earth.
I see you are one of those people !
Jo
wow, again I am in awe--I had no idea when I joined this community such a short time ago that I would find such compassion and like-mindedness!
Yay! that's all I can say...
Laurie, it's a good thing you decided to clarify that or Sally might start to wonder if it's for real....not!!
Teri: You're funny....and I announce it all the time...of course I do!
Jo-Anne: I really appreciate your feedback and letting me know that I am appreciated as well.
Loretta: Just stick with us like minded people and you'll be okay...it's the few self centered ones that drain us a little ...move on and keep grounded! Yah!
Laurie: I say this...I laugh with you all too... And that was taken this past Dec. in my house right before our annual Christmas party. Yeah, at almost 50 I started getting a little vain. (Luckily I have oriental blood so the blurring is not extensive...woohoo!)
Teri: Okay guys... don't get your kimonos in a wedgie...it's all good!
Almost 50???? Why your still a baby. Glory in your youth! I did!

Sally... I can't believe that we are talking about feet.... lol
In regards to your post, this was awesome. I would love to be on the other side of the fence, at my funeral, to hear what people would have to say, how they remembered me. I could be here all day talking about that. ;o) So I won't bore you. But I enjoyed reading this, It was very well written. Now time for bed...
PS>..sorry late to the party
Jeff,
In the seminar I designed, I have people write their eulogy. I know it sounds grim, but it really isn't. It is to point out how they want people to view them and how close or far away from the mark they are. It really helps them later in the seminar. Over 92% of the students say after the seminar that was the turning point for them. I always have them do unsigned seminar reports after the seminar. It helps me stay on track.
Sally
A beautiful timeless message shared by a beautiful timeless soul.
Jeff: Okay...laugh about the feet....but hey...they were pretty weren't they? Haha! And though people will say "she was one wacked out....in a good way person" that just fine. I was me. I think Roberta may be on to something.
Roberta: Go do a post. I think I'd like to do a little one in the comment section.
Jason: You're the little bro I never had (two older ones and they are wacked) and wish I did. I'm lucky to have run across you as well.
Ed: You have a soul that is seen through your writing as well.
Neal: Of course you do! Who you are is the legacy you are passing on to your child. No one is regular! We are all different and unique. I wouldn't want to be like you nor you like me. We are human and ALL of us have different thinking and therefore different in our own way. I could whip one up about you quick but I think I'll leave that to you.
Laurie: My two older brothers did that to me...can you see me tattle taling on them all the time? When I was in high school (one of them was one year older but I graduated one year early with him) I beat up a guy that had beat up my brother. My brother was so embarrassed that he went in the Air Force....retired in Sacramento and has not been home since. (don't know if that's the real reason but he NEVER mentions it)
Susie: My children have the same philosophies in life....express it differently (my son is all Mr. Macho and my little girl makes up for her little size with her mouth haha! They are 26/25 respectively)
Gee Sally,
I didn't mean that last comment as high-jacking your post. Please forgive me. :( I was just responding to what Jeff said about wishing he could be at his own funeral. I'll watch it from now on. :)
Celeste, Celeste, this is great. Makes you think, think, think and then wonder what am I leaving behind as my legacy? Its hard to say because everyone that you encounter have a different opinion about you and what you represent. I would hope that I have left and will continue to leave great things for my children and my little "legal" child especially. Really I have worked and geared my whole life around my children. I am just learning how to put time out for me. ITs hard to do, but I am managing it.
Great post and you are a great writer.
I am excited to get to know some new friends!!
Rosemary: I know how hard it can be....to force oneself to grab a little time for self. I finally went to do a pedicure a couple of weeks ago (silly me did a post and realestate show on them haha). If you neglect yourself you will have nothing in the end. Balance is the key...and thanks for the compliment!
Ethan: Oh, you're here too....hmmm. Just post, reciprocate comments and you'll make plenty of friends! Oh....and maybe comment on the blogs you read ....about the article? See ya around!
Holy cow! This is an amazing blog, and it really got me thinking! I know I can always rely on you for an amazing, positive blog.
And sometimes I need that :)
Thank you for my boost of the day!
Thanks Celeste. Wow! You're smarter than my Celeste here at home. Well, anyway she has some growing up to do. Might be grown but not completely grown up.(smile). I am holding my own in this struggle. Some days better than others as is life. I know if I continue to do the right things it will all work out. And I figure if I don't take care of me, no one else can or will. Thanks for the support. You are a wise woman.
Sally, I have been away toooooo long. I missed many of your articles. Caught this one thanks to the "Week In Review" (Congrats, By the way in making it yet again...) ;-)
I like what you wrote so much so that I have printed a copy of your points and posted next to my monitor to remind me daily! Maybe it will alos be a reminder to get over here to AR! ;-)
Rosemary: You'll be okay. Sorry I didn't respond right away...been hectic with other drama going on.
Phillip: Sure have missed you! Almost forgot you "sunny" online disposition. See ya around??!!
Hi Sally
I loved your post. I gave it a 5. I agree that in part that our children are our greatest legacy. We touch their lives in profound ways. We do our best, and hope to be remembered as decent, caring people. 100 years from now...will it matter? Only to the generations to come. I keep a family history photo album. We are on the 5th generation. By doing this, it helps to remind me where we came from and how our family has evolved.
Hi Sally, I just stumbled upon this post and had to comment. Why? It really connected with me, both for who I am and who I used to be.
As a former workaholic, it really hit home when I read "When I die NO ONE is going to remember me for my computer skills in Photoshop"...
So simple, so true, so obvious but... it took me over 40 years to finally figure that out. What an amazing post you're written. You've obviously connected with a lot of us. Thanks for sharing...
Celeste,
Thanks for the post. I shared this thought on Jason's blog and I thought it was worth repeating here. The indelible human connections we make during our journey here on earth are what really matters. I believe that we are here for this purpose. The vehicle by which we realize the goal ( real estate sales, education or mortgages) isn't as important as what we impart in the way of compassion, respect and love.
William: Please join the contest in the Positive Attitude for the Weary Souls group! This is wonderful and you would most definitely be an asset with your writing...
UPDATE!! Content Contest for Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul Group: The Legacy
Sally,
Sometimes it it difficult to have or maintain the "big picture" of life, so I often content myself with the little things.
Nearly every morning I pray for a way to touch someone else's life in a positive way.
I hold doors open.
I smile and joke with the elderly and infirm.
I serve the youth of my church as a leader and guide.
I try to make a nice meal my my last still-at-home busy, busy teenager.
I don't swear because the world can be ugly enough without me adding to it.
And lately, I 've been trying to be a better friend to my wife, colleagues, and recent relationships found here on AR - and others in my past almost forgotten.
Little things in life - like relationships - ARE the big things.
Thanks Art! Just so you know...I share your comments with my husband because there's always something there to brighten my day....thanks!
Does this mean you're entering the contest??????
UPDATE!! Content Contest for Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul Group: The Legacy
Entries for the Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul Group: Legacy Contest
Thanks Sally,
I don't know about contests - not a strong interest of mine. I like it, however - there will be some excellent entries.
But if I DO leave a Legacy behind, it will have the deluxe leather package, sweet sound system and a primo sunroof! WooHoo!
Sally,
Thanks for the inspiration. It is so easy to forget that is the most important thing in life is to make a difference with the talent the Lord has given you.
What a beautiful picture to include in your article.