Most young people are not ready to think about how their legacy would shape up sometime in the way distant future. I can understand that. When you’re a 20-something or even a 30-something, you are invincible and truly believe you have plenty of time to consider your life’s impact when sitting on the front porch 40 or 50 years down the line in a rocking chair. (Of course, that’s after you’ve woken from your nap.)

I am an old soul. When I was younger, I did think about how I wanted to live my life – be a good person, volunteer and make a difference. Now, as I’ve gotten a little older, I’ve thought about how the world would see my contributions and just what could I do to impact the community, people here and in other areas and the greater good in some significant way.

It’s a tough call. Not everyone can be a Nobel Prize winner. Not everyone will cure a disease or come up with the next great invention that will change the way people live. But, I contend, it is truly the little things that happen day in and day out, that make a difference. These are the things that people will remember about you.

It’s not the nicest topic in the world, but most of us will never know when our final days will be. When putting things in perspective, I always remind myself that I could step off a curb and be hit by a bus. Am I proud of my last words, moments and actions? Obviously, procrastination as it relates to making a difference, is not wise. Here are some things to think about when you’re contemplating your legacy as a human being:

1. Legacy of love – Make sure people you care about know it. It isn’t good enough to assume that people are aware of your feelings. Say it! Say it loud, say it proud and most importantly, say it often.
2. Legacy off forgiveness – It’s easy to get caught up in how others have treated you. Someone didn’t tell the truth … forgot your birthday … said things to hurt you or worse. Forgive them. It’s as much for you as it is for them. Forgiveness can be tough. But, it is critical to let it go and then tell them. Fix the relationship as if you knew today was your last day.
3. Legacy of advocacy – You’ve got to believe in something. Be proud and work to make a difference in the area that you believe in. Whether you want to stop world hunger (and who doesn’t?) or you are passionate about recycling. Volunteer, fundraise, blog or just talk about it with people who are interested, too.

Although the list could go on and on, what’s important to understand is that we are leaving a legacy everyday – whether we realize it or not.  We impact – positively or negatively – every person we encounter. What you say, how you said it, what you did or didn’t do will mean something to someone.

I think Huey Lewis said it best in the 80s.

“The power of love is a curious thing

Make one man weep, make another man sing

Change a hawk to a little white dove

More than a feeling that’s the power of love

Tougher than diamonds, rich like cream

Stronger and harder than a bad girl’s Dream Nails

Make a bad one good make a wrong one right

Power of love that keeps you home at night”

With the Tom Izzo situation brewing in the mid Michigan area and now around the country, I have to wonder if the power of love will be able to keep Tom Izzo home in East Lansing. A large contingent of fans from local businesses, the creative community and (of course) the MSU nation came together over the weekend to send a simple message as Tom Izzo is making a difficult decision – We Love Izzo.

If you live in the Lansing/East Lansing area, you were well aware that the community was set to make sure this emotion … this curious thing … weighed into the very personal discussion among his family members. This group took a Sunday afternoon and plastered the town with yard signs, banners and social media messages in everyone’s “in” box.

This love even made headlines here and around the region and country. The Chicago Tribune covered the event, as did the USA Today and many areas in between. There are video clips of people moving signs from area to area all day long – a herculean effort to say the least.

Mission accomplished … I would say. Even if Tom Izzo chooses to take the next step in his career path, he can leave this town knowing that we truly appreciated and well, loved his contribution. And, if he stays, we know that he is fully aware that he is valued not only as a member of the MSU Men’s Basketball program, but also as a member of this community.

Good luck with your decision Tom.

If I take a hard look at my media habits I would have to admit that I love television. It’s true. I’m old school. It’s not that I watch a ton of television (really) because I’m so busy, but I do keep the TV on all the time. I know the environmentalists are cursing my name right now, but I can’t help myself.

I am fairly addicted to the noise interruption in my day. It’s strange, I know, but it started in high school. I couldn’t do my homework without having some type of noise. I would use my stereo, but mostly I liked the TV. I think it was simply easier to listen to mindless chatter. If I listened to music, I might actually sing and then distract myself.

I’m not a fan of being in total quiet. I’m sure there are reasons why, but I really don’t know what they are. I need to have stimulation all the time. Now that I can use my Smartphone to go to Facebook and stay in touch on Twitter, it gives my TV a bit of a rest. Although it makes me even happier to sit with my computer on my lap, listening to the TV and glancing at the Facebook and Twitter feed. Addicted? Maybe.

But, frankly it all started with TV. I love to “watch” the mindless shows that are mildly entertaining and really don’t make you think at all. Believe me, I have enough to think about during the day that takes actual brainpower. Go figure.

I have even put a TV in my kitchen. I swear it keeps me in there cooking and cleaning. I definitely can say that this is possibly the most favorite TV in the house for my family even though it is only a 12-inch model. After all, it does indirectly provide them sustenance.

I have not resorted to installing one in the bathroom … although I do believe it would be the biggest extravagance. I was at the MGM Grand recently, and the room was amazing. The most amazing part was the flat screen TV mounted inside the mirror in the restroom. Seriously. I think I’ll save my nickels and dimes for one of my very own someday. Although that would mean, I guess, that I’m planning to spend more time in there. Maybe I should rethink my plan.

I could spend my nickels and dimes on a trip to Hawaii. I’m sure I won’t miss my TV there.