He sat at the table, head bowed, stirring his coffee, and I could tell something was weighing on his mind. I gently inquired, “My dear, what troubles you?”

He lifted his gaze and replied, “I feel like I won’t leave any legacy behind. There will be nothing for my children or those I leave behind when I pass away.”

Feeling sympathy for him, I took his hardworking hands in mine and said, “I don’t think you realize the generational changes you’ve made in your life.”

He looked confused, struggling to grasp my intent. To clarify, I began to ask questions that would help him see the bigger picture.

“Your father was an alcoholic, just like his father, correct?”

“Yes,” he responded, “but what does that have to do with my legacy?”

I continued, “Your entire family has struggled with finances, obesity, and unhealthy habits such as smoking, drugs, and a sedentary lifestyle.”

He nodded in agreement. I pressed on, asking, “What about your children and grandchildren? Are they caught in these unhealthy patterns? Are they alcoholics, constantly hopping from job to job, or struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, or food?”

“No! God forbid,” he exclaimed.

“Where did the change begin in your family line?” I asked. A smile crossed his face as understanding dawned on him. He realized that the transformation in his family’s legacy began with him. I said, “Your legacy is the generational changes you have initiated. You’ve broken the cycle of poverty and addiction! Isn’t that a legacy that will positively impact your children and their children?”

He grasped the concept. A legacy isn’t just about buildings or businesses; it also involves breaking free from generations of negativity.