Who Tells Your Story?

“And when you’re gone, who remembers your name? //

Who keeps your flame? // Who tells your story?”

– Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton

Ok, I’ll admit it (because I’m not ashamed), I’m still obsessed with Hamilton. It seems “so five+ years ago,” but I love everything about it and always will. My perfect Friday night, after a long work week, to relieve stress — I blast the soundtrack from Hamilton and cook (followed by Dateline, but that’s another post entirely…)

While participating in said stress-relief ritual last week, I got stuck on one line from one song. I’ve heard it at least 300 times, but for some reason, this time, it hit differently.

The line is, “Who tells your story?”

For many of us, this question (this time posed by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s touching lyrics) resonates deeply. It’s a question that transcends time and place because it touches on the fundamental human desire for significance and impact. Who will indeed tell our story when we’re no longer here to tell it ourselves?

As a coach, I often work with folks to reflect on their personal legacy to determine intentional action. Legacy, in its essence, is the narrative we leave behind. It’s the imprint we make on the world, the memories we create, and the lives we touch. But crafting a meaningful legacy isn’t just about the grand gestures or the milestones; it’s about the small, everyday moments that shape who we are and how we’re remembered.

When we think about this concept of our “legacy,” it’s natural to picture those we want to remember us. Family, friends, colleagues—these are the obvious choices. But beyond our immediate circles, what mark do we hope to leave on the broader scope of humanity?

Once I experienced a terrible, unexpected tragedy and had to board a plane and travel to grieve with my family and loved ones. I couldn’t hold back tears on the flight that seemed to last days. The woman next to me, without saying a word, gently placed her hand on my shoulder in a very caring manner. We never spoke to one another, and I do not know her name, but this is part of her legacy she leaves behind. I will never ever forget that simple, kind gesture.

Yet, the concept of legacy is not solely about how others perceive us; it’s also about how we perceive ourselves. A few questions for us to consider:

• What values do I hold dear?
• How am I demonstrating those values?
• What passions drive my daily behaviors?
• What impact do I hope to make during my time on this earth?

These are important questions to consider because they can help shape our actions and behaviors which define our legacy.

In a world that is often consumed by the pursuit of status or fortune, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. I encourage you to pause and reflect on the story you’re writing each day. In the end, it’s not the number of our days that matters, but the depth of our impact—the legacy we leave behind for those who come after us. A life well lived. And even if you’re not being intentional about the story you’re writing, your life is a story. Wouldn’t you rather take the pen and author it yourself now while you can?