Reflecting on Your Legacy: How I Set Intentions for the Year Ahead

Feb 16, 2025

Hey friends,

As I celebrate my birthday this month, I’ve been reflecting on something I truly love doing—taking the time to think about the legacy statement I want to live out and the vision I want to have for the year ahead. Life can be so busy and full of noise, and sometimes we get caught up in the demands and pressures of everything around us. But I’ve learned that taking a break to think about what’s truly important is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves.

So this month, I want to share with you something I’ve been practicing: setting a vision statement for the year, and focusing on one thing at a time. It’s easy to think about all the things we want to achieve and create a huge list of goals. But sometimes, life feels like a juggling act, and that can be overwhelming—especially if you’ve been through difficult seasons.

That’s why, for me, the one thing I focus on is not about achieving it all at once but about making progress one step at a time. So if last year felt overwhelming, I go back to the basics: What’s the one thing I can focus on right now? What’s the one thing I can build on?

Let’s take a look at how you can apply this idea to your own life. I hope it gives you a little peace of mind as you think about the year ahead!

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What’s Your Legacy?

A legacy statement is something that reflects the essence of who you are, what you value, and what you want to leave behind. It’s not a goal—it’s a bigger vision of how you want to impact the world and how you want to feel as you move through life.

Here are a few prompts to help you start thinking about your own legacy statement:

What do you want to be remembered for?

How do you want to show up for others?

What values are important to you?

What change do you want to see in your life or in the world?

For example, a legacy statement could sound like:

“I want to be remembered as someone who showed others compassion and kindness, even in difficult times.”

“I aim to inspire others to live their truth, free from judgment and fear.”

“I will create spaces where people feel heard and safe, especially survivors of trauma.”

These are just ideas, but they can help you reflect on the impact you want to make. You don’t have to have it all figured out yet—just taking the time to think about it is a powerful first step.

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Creating Your Vision Statement for the Year

Alongside your legacy, it’s important to think about the vision you have for yourself in the coming year. A vision statement is more of a practical guide to how you want to feel and grow in the immediate future. It’s something that aligns with your values and gives you direction. It can be as simple as thinking about one area of your life you want to nurture or improve.

Some ideas to start with:

What’s one thing you’d like to focus on this year?

This could be personal growth, health, relationships, or learning a new skill.

What’s one habit you want to build or break?

Maybe it’s practicing gratitude daily, setting boundaries with others, or learning how to forgive yourself.

What do you want to celebrate about yourself this year?

Focus on recognizing your wins, no matter how small, and acknowledging your strength.

Here’s an example of a vision statement:

“This year, I will focus on nurturing my mental and physical health, taking time each day for self-care, and learning how to set healthy boundaries in relationships.”

It’s a small, focused goal, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to keep it simple so that you’re setting yourself up for success.

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Celebrate the Life You’re Living Now

As you think about your vision, I encourage you to celebrate where you are right now. It’s easy to think that we need to wait for the perfect moment to be happy or fulfilled, but the truth is, today is part of your story too. Every step you’ve taken, every lesson you’ve learned, is a part of the beautiful journey that’s uniquely yours.

So take a moment—whether it’s today, next week, or on your own special day—to celebrate who you are right now. Appreciate how far you’ve come and honor the strength it took to get here.

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Quick Tip: Focus on One Thing This Year

Lastly, as you reflect on your vision, remember: you don’t need to do it all at once. If it feels like too much, go back to one thing. What’s the one thing you can focus on today? Maybe it’s a small habit, a new practice, or just taking time to care for yourself. Focus on that—and as the year goes on, you can always add to it.

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To wrap up, I want to remind you that creating your legacy and vision doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers today. It’s a journey, and every step counts.

So, as I celebrate my birthday, I’ll be thinking about my own legacy and vision, and I encourage you to think about yours too. Remember: the most important thing is that you are worthy of creating and living a meaningful life, no matter where you are on your journey.

Happy reflecting—and happy birthday to all of us!

With love,

Kathe'rine

Founder, Sparrows