Can you imagine being such a hideous and contemptible character that history remembers you as “The Cruel”? Yep, that happened.

Peter, or Pedro the Cruel, King of Castile (1333-1369), son of Alphonso XI and Maria, daughter of Alphonso IV of Portugal, was born in 1333. He was murdered on this date in 1369 in Montiel, France. He was, well, Cruel. He was cruel to the people around him, including family and wives. No matter what else he may have done in life, he will forever be known as “The Cruel.”

What does your legacy look like? What are you doing today that ensures a legacy worthy of your life?

One thing’s for certain, you can’t choose your own, cool title that you’re known by after you’re gone. Much as same not being able to choose your own nickname through life, you won’t be able to selectively choose the words that come after your name in a discussion.

Otherwise, I would be known as:

Rusty “The Cool” to my friends.
Rusty “Mr. Awesome” to my coworkers.
Rusty “The Mostest Bestest Husband Ever” to my wife.
Rusty “Better to Ask Mom” to my kids.
Rusty “The Dragon Slayer” to my grandkids.
And, Rusty “What Was He Thinking?” to people that don’t know me.

geralt / Pixabay

Truthfully, I would hope to be thought of fondly by those I leave behind; especially posterity. Every day we are working on our legacy and lasting title. Every day we shape the opinions of those around us. Two things about this…

One

Make sure that you are developing your legacy around those people that matter. If you are working on your legacy around the “wrong people,” you are spending time on a legacy that will quickly be forgotten.

Build your legacy around your family and your close friends. This doesn’t mean to mistreat others or put up a facade. Just make sure that your legacy is consistent.

Two

Caring about what the “important people” in your life think about you is a direct reflection of how you treat others. Of all the descriptive words available in the ether, there are a few I would prefer to have wandering into a conversation about me: fair, reliable, trustworthy, dedicated, funny, and even good-looking. Hmmm…Rusty “The Good-Looking.” Nah, doesn’t quite roll out smoothly and is usually followed by respectful laughter (remember, these are conversations after I’m gone).


So I ask, if your legacy started today, what would your title be?
I would love to hear what your title would be, feel free to respond below!

Keep Writing and Hit Publish

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