I’m cheating with the link-up this week. I ran out of time (again!) so I’m adding the link-up to this post instead. I hope you’ll join in the fun!
I recently joined a fabulous group of women for a global writing challenge—Gail from Is This Mutton (UK) Deb from Deb’sWorld (Australia), Mary Katherine from MK’s Adventures in Style (USA), Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper (UK), Australian blogger Sue Loncaric from Women Living Well After 50, Leslie Clingan from Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After and Marsha from Marsha In The Middle. On the third Thursday of every month we’ll respond to the prompt “Tell Us About XXX” which could cover any subject matter. It could be a blog post with opinions or memories; a poem, photos, anything at all. Last month, the challenge was Imagination and was prompted by me. This month, Leslie chose the prompt of Legacy…
Oh boy, was this a tough one! Honestly, I had no clue where I was going to start with the writing prompt of ‘Legacy’. Then, after I started reading a fabulous new book for artists of all kinds (The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron), I started to feel a little more inspired and then BAM it hit me… I would talk about leaving a legacy of creativity, inspiration, and empowerment; three things that mean so much to me.
So, imagine a legacy that doesn’t just fade with time but continues to inspire, empower, and ignite creativity in others long after you’re gone. A legacy that’s not measured in material wealth, but in the positive impact it has on lives and the lasting change it sparks. This is the kind of legacy I would very much like to leave behind when I’m gone.
The Creative Spark
Creativity can be described as a force that knows no bounds, right? It’s something that’s not confined to the canvas or the stage, for example; it lives in each and every one of us, waiting to be awakened. If you’re struggling to find yours, I highly recommend that book I briefly mentioned, above, by the way! My legacy begins here, by encouraging everyone to tap into their inner artist, writer, designer, or inventor. It could be through crafting, storytelling, painting, sewing or absolutely any other form of expression. We all have the power to create something beautiful, meaningful, and uniquely ours.
The Ripple Effect of Inspiration
I’ve always believed that inspiration is like a contagious firework show in your soul—it’s what fuels change and lights up new ideas. I’ve seen firsthand how a single burst of inspiration can set off a dazzling chain reaction, sparking incredible personal achievements. Picture this: a sunny but cold winter’s day on a stunning beach in Powell River, Canada, over a decade ago. We were perched on driftwood (pictured above), having a little picnic when, out of the blue, a brilliant book idea struck me. In that very moment, I imagined vampires lurking in the trees around us. It was the setting, the symphony of ravens cawing overhead, and that electrifying spark of inspiration that led to something magical.
That spark ignited the creation of my beloved trilogy, The Raven Witch Saga, and set the stage for a five-book series, Praxos Academy, and so much more.
On my journey, I’m excited to relaunch my Suzy Turner YouTube channel. It’s a place where I’ll share my creativity in all its forms and encourage others to do the same, whether it’s through writing, sewing (I’m learning and sharing as I go), reading, or even the adventure of building our new house, and more.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Empowerment is like giving people the tools, know-how, and belief in themselves to shape their own futures. That’s what I’m all about – passing on valuable insights, resources, and guidance to help others. I’m all for tearing down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and building a platform where every unique voice is not just heard but celebrated. This is precisely why I started my Think Like Queenie channel. Sure, it doesn’t have a massive following (about 336 subscribers as of now), but if I can make a positive impact on even one person, that’s a win in my book!
Building a Creative Community
Creating a legacy of creativity, inspiration, and empowerment is most definitely a team effort. I see it as a shared journey where we should all lift each other up, nurturing creativity and letting inspiration flow without limits. Together, we can shape a world where everyone gets the chance to truly shine and reach their fullest potential. That’s why I love being a part of these little communities—whether they’re in real life or online, they all mean so much to me.
Conclusion
In the big picture of life, things move fast, but the little ripples we each make can last forever. My legacy? It’s all about fun, creativity, inspiration, and empowerment—basically, a legacy that’s all about sparking your inner artist, igniting positive vibes, and giving you the superpower to write your own story. What legacy do you aspire to leave behind? How can you ignite creativity, inspire change, and empower those around you? Share your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to visit Gail, Deb, MK (she’s actually unable to join us this month but you should visit her fabulous blog nonetheless), Penny, Sue, Leslie and Marsha to see how they have interpreted this fabulous prompt of ‘Legacy’. Next month, I hope you’ll join us for the prompt of ‘Hometowns’.
Marsha is sharing the legacy of a truly extraordinary man. His legacy is in the thousands of children and adults who were fortunate enough to have known him. Find her post at https://marshainthemiddle.com/.
On pondering this month’s prompt, Leslie at Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After writes: One of the most touching things I was told just after Mom died in 08.2022, was that my brother, sister, and I were her legacy. My (former) sister-in-law Metra was the sweetheart who imparted those words to us. And they were such a comfort to me. I felt like Mom had gifted us with so much in her 95 years and now it was up to us to carry on for her. A big job!! https://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/tell-us-about-09-2023-legacy
Kathleen Lovis was an ordinary woman who never owned a house or car. She didn’t go abroad until she was 81. Kathleen started working at 14. She was the grandmother of Gail from Is This Mutton, who treasures Kathleen’s legacy of a handwritten memoir and recipe book. Link: https://www.isthismutton.com
Sue ponders the question ‘What will my legacy be?’ Legacy is one of those subjects she has never really taken time to ponder or confront. As she delved to find her answer, she discovered she really does know who she is and embraces and celebrates her unique qualities. Women Living Well After 50,
Debbie embraces the quirkiness of life in her response to the question of her legacy, thanks to some helpful technologies. Deb’sWorld
Penny felt rather at a loss when contemplating ‘Legacy’ as she had decided to leave this planet with the least fuss possible. And yet she has things to say about ‘Legacy’ which will become clearer when you read her post! However, Penny is on holiday this week and will post her piece shortly, so no link today! Frugal Fashion Shopper