Legacy, means to “leave a lasting and meaningful impact.” We started to think about legacy because we were watching the 40-year anniversary showing of Queen at Live Aid and that was what stood out to us. The legacy of not only that
event, but also of Freddie Mercury himself. The impact that can be left behind even when the person or event is over or gone. We can all think of people whose time was short but left behind huge legacy – musicians, actors, and people we know.
Fred was SO ahead of his time! I feel like I grew up *with* him. But I am now older than he was when he died, aged 45, how *can* that be?! SUCH was the impact he had on the world. How lucky am I that my Mum was always a fan and I would “make up dances” to Queen songs as a kid (you should see my ‘One Vision’ folks!!)
ALL he did in those 45yrs…all my Mum did in her 59yrs…but, sadly, because of the trauma that was experienced in her final 3months on this planet, I have (almost) only been left with her death…those memories burn far too strongly and my brain has almost “protected” me by suppressing the good stuff. Being able to hear her voice will upset you - we’ll take that away to ‘protect’ you …err, thanks?!?!
Whereas, with Freddie, I have the (alleged) quote that I still hold close: ”You can do whatever you want with my image, my music, remix it, re-release it, whatever…just never make me boring!” HIS legacy really has informed the way in which I live my life! I try my very best to give NO FUCKS (NFLTG is the PG version of that!) - is that me channelling Freddie, keeping his legacy alive? Maybe.
And, Wow, the legacy that Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind! Dying just 17days after playing his final show in his hometown Birmingham surrounded by his disciplines of
rock past and present; *that* strikes me as the way to be remembered. I mean, he lived a life (the world knows that) and he somehow made it to 76yo, but he went “out” big - burning bright, not fading away…leaving his legacy very much in tact if you ask me.
Far too many have been ‘snuffed out’, way too early (typically at 27yo) leaving us wanting so much more: Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse; their music will forever live, but their early deaths cloud their legacy…
So what does legacy mean to you? I know it has meant different things at different times for me. The legacy of trauma, the impact of what is now over, but has left a
lasting impact on me feels as if that is defining at times. The lasting effects of what others have done to us, or what has happened to us can feel as though that is what we have become, what our life will always be imprinted with. The end becoming the lasting memory overshadowing what went before.
And yet, at other times legacy feels like I can define it. As though I can make choices now to affect what my legacy will be. Transcend Trauma was formed in part out of that drive to create a positive legacy, to take that impact of trauma and turn it into something more positive, more productive and to make a difference to other people.
Your legacy is your choice. You can overcome the legacy of trauma and refuse to be defined by it. You can use what you have learned in the dark days to help others and to be more aware of those experiencing similar challenges. You can be what you choose to be and be defined by what you are now, not what happened to you then. So, what will your legacy be?
I want to finally get my Freddie Mercury tattoo this summer I want him with me; reminding me to use every ounce of my life and that the show really must go on…it strikes me that his legacy is eternal.
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