How Will They Know You Were Here?
How will they know you were here?
My husband and I attended a 21‑year work celebration this past week – a dinner with his colleagues. The entertainment for the evening was a storyteller and musical artist. I loved listening to the stories behind each song and found myself laughing more than once. He closed the evening with a song titled “Ek Was Hier”—translated, “I Was Here.”
On the drive home, my husband and I found ourselves reflecting on the lyrics. I believe the songwriter was pointing to something deeply human: the desire to live a life we’re proud of, one that leaves a positive imprint on the earth, on the people around us, and on the world. It’s a noble idea. But what does it actually look like in practice?
Perhaps it begins with living your life with care. But what does that mean? Is it being sensitive to the needs of others? Planting trees? Fighting for peace? Taking care of yourself and those you love? Maybe it’s all of these. Or maybe it has less to do with the actions themselves and more to do with the intention behind them.
In my coaching sessions, I often use an exercise where I ask people to write their own eulogy. The goal is simple: Reflect on what you hope to leave behind one day. But this is never just a paper‑and‑pen activity. Many people find it deeply emotional. I believe that’s because it reveals the gap between the life they’re living and the life they long for. It highlights the difference between what they do and what they believe they should be doing.
The sad reality is that, for many, closing that gap feels “too expensive.” We get swept up in the rat race, settling for “good enough” because it’s comfortable. I’m not suggesting everyone abandon their routines and move off the grid. But I do believe that pausing to reflect and clearing out some of the clutter that fills our days and drains our time is a worthwhile investment.
If you’re wondering where to begin, here are two ideas.
1. Clarify your vision and values: When you know what you’re aiming for, it becomes easier to stay aligned. You can say yes to the right things and politely decline the rest. Visual reminders help too. For example, I filled my home with houseplants (yes, I know, I already have plenty to keep alive). But they remind me to slow down, nurture what matters, and “smell the roses.”
2. Invest time in doing nothing: I can already sense the scepticism. But research consistently shows that spending time outside—preferably under a tree or in nature—with no distractions and no agenda brings clarity, boosts energy levels, and significantly reduces stress. Even 15 minutes can shift your entire day. Consistency amplifies the effect. And if sitting still feels impossible, take a walk, leave your phone at home, cover your wearable, and walk as if time doesn’t own you.
I know I don’t want to be remembered as the person who was always so “busy”. That no one ever got to meet the real me. I don’t want to miss meaningful moments because I’m chasing the next item on a list. I don’t want to overlook opportunities to make a positive impact or to live my God‑given purpose because I’m too distracted to listen, respond, or truly see the people in my life.
A mom friend recently reminded me: Not everything is an emergency. Learn to switch off the alarms on the things that don’t matter so you can give your attention to the things that do.
Leave the legacy. Make sure they know you were here – for all the right reasons.
If you need some help figuring out what you would like to leave behind, get in touch. You can reach us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
