Leaving a Legacy
On November 11, 2014 I honored the first anniversary of my father’s death by spending most of the day outdoors either hiking or gardening—great loves he passed on to me. He was a man who left his wife, 4 daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren a strong legacy of determination, loyalty, hard work, and tradition.
Dad and Mom, 2012
In October Christina and I spent 3 weeks traveling and teaching in Europe to celebrate the release of The Circle Way in German. October 23-26 we gathered in Bregenz, Austria with 30 colleagues from 12 countries to celebrate the First Fire of the Next Generation of European Circle Carriers. These remarkable people are carrying circle work into the European Commission, into major businesses, into churches, into communities. It was a great honor to hear their stories and to be instrumental in introducing them to one another.
Bregenzer Salon in western Austria
small working group at European First Fire circle
center for European First Fire gathering
We are working a five-year plan to prepare our legacy work. Not retired, like my father was for many years, not gone, as he is now, but actively passing on the work of The Circle Way to people who are younger, highly skilled, and ready to take this work to a whole other level of influence.
In May 2013 we hosted the First Fire of the Next Generation of North American Circle Carriers on Whidbey Island. In May 2014 we hosted a second fire gathering on Whidbey Island. The work of circle IS being handed to the next generation of carriers. Christina and I are beginning to take our place at the rim with all of these fine folks—no longer in the center, but at the rim with everyone else.
The work of The Circle Way will go on long past our active days as PeerSpirit, Inc. We are in the delicate balance of not letting go too soon, yet delighting in the energy and competency of those stepping forward. I believe we are leaving a legacy of tradition, competence, and great heart. And we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves!
Birthday surprise for our youngest European Fire Gathering member (28)
Just appreciating the conscious way you are moving forward with legacy planning for sustaining the work and the lineage.
Thank you for drawing to our attention – the power of Intention and the linking of what we do now to what has gone before, to what is to come. Always a Circle.
Gratitude – win.
This is a lovely share Ann. Thank you.
Although I am still quite new at carrying the Circle Way into the world, I am thoroughly convinced that your work is having a profound impact on global consciousness. I am excited to be a part of carrying your legacy even deeper into the world of business, building community, one circle at a time. Thank you for sharing your life and work with such grace, generosity and compassion. With deep love and gratitude – Jude
Hi Ann,
I applaud you and Christina for being so deliberate in thinking about the legacy you want to leave. Of course, I’m not surprised the two of you would be wise and forward thinking in your approach. As someone who has approximately 5 years left to work, I too am thinking about the legacy I want to leave. My work is largely leadership development – work that is truly a privilege, to seed and cultivate the leadership potential of young, emerging leaders … I understand totally what you are saying about the delicate balance of not letting go too soon while, at the same time, delighting in new energy! Love to you both, AM