07/21/2026
The Legacy We Leave Behind
I've been meaning to take a moment to share an experience I can't stop thinking about. Several weejends ago, I took part in two very different conversations, each revealing something noteworthy and profound about the choices we make as women and the legacies we leave behind. Yes, I said legacies.
On the one evening, I found myself sitting in my kitchen with a dear friend who was upset and in tears. She had become the subject of hurtful conversations among a group of women. To make matters worse, another woman had chosen to repeat those comments to her, seemingly attempting to separate herself from the gossip while simultaneously ensuring the damage was delivered. As I listened and consoled, I was struck by how much pain can be caused by something as simple as words. A few careless comments, spoken behind someone's back, had created genuine emotional pain for another human being.
And then the following evening, I found myself engaged in a completely different conversation with another remarkable woman. As we reminisced about our lives, careers, and the paths that had brought us to where we are today, we both noticed a common thread. Throughout the years, there had always been women who had stepped forward to help us. Women who offered opportunities when we needed them. Women who opened doors, shared knowledge, provided encouragement, gave us jobs, offered a place to stay, or simply sat with us during difficult moments. Each of us could identify pivotal points in our lives where another woman had made a meaningful difference. Women who were remembered, whose names were spoken so many years later with absolute admiration and gratitude.
It was so uplifting to fondly remember these women. Their kindness, generosity, and belief in us created ripple effects that extended far beyond the moment itself. Some may not even realize the impact they had, yet their influence continues to live on through the people they helped and the lives they touched.
As I reflect on these two conversations, I realize they represented two very different ways of moving through the world.
One path is rooted in criticism, judgment, and tearing other women down. It may provide a fleeting sense of superiority or belonging, but its legacy is pain. It leaves behind wounded relationships, diminished confidence, and unnecessary suffering. 8 to be remembered for the hurt we caused, or for the people we helped become who they were meant to be.
If you've read this far, thank you. And if you are one of the women I spoke of, bless you for building the right kind of legacy. We don't have to be perfect, we just need to try.
❤️Robin
