What Legacy Means to Me:
“If people remember me as someone that put others first and was a Man for Others…that would be the legacy I would like to have and that I strive to obtain.”
My dad’s resiliency during tough times, was the most inspiring thing to me. His business went bankrupt in the mid 80’s. We lost our house and it was very challenging time. He worked 3 jobs and did all he could to make sure the 5 kids had all they needed. He had a great work ethic and a great sense of humor always and could make lemonade out of lemons. He made me realize that family was more important than all the outside things in the world.
When it comes to leaving my own legacy to others, I believe everyone should lead every day and everyone should love every day. I think men, in particular, don’t use the word ‘love’ enough when it comes to their friends and families. To be a successful leader your team needs to know that you put them first and that you will do everything you can to help them succeed. If you do that, the rest is easy.
If people remember me as someone that put others first and was a Man for Others (To quote the Jesuits)…that would be the legacy I would like to have and that I strive to obtain.
I always think that I can and should do more I have been abundantly blessed and try to find opportunities to give back when I can, but I know I fall short some days. It’s important to try and find a way to say ‘yes’ and to commit to supporting those causes that matter in your lives. “Acta non verba.” Action, Not words. That’s what it’s all about. If you lead, others will follow. Leading is hard and it takes time and energy, but its worth it.
I like to think of myself as someone that does the right thing and puts others first. If others can learn from that, then awesome. I also know I am not perfect, so I don’t know that I am always the greatest role model, but I strive to lead every day and to love every day. Having a positive attitude and a willingness to give back. I think that is contagious.
About the Author:
Beau Higgins was born in New Orleans and attended the University of Virginia before entering the United State Marine Corps as an Intelligence Officer in 1990. He served in the Marines for 25 years and had the opportunity to Command both 1st Recon Battalion and HQ Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and deploy to Somalia, Bosnia, 3 times to Iraq and 3 times to Afghanistan. He has been part of the TMF since its inception and serves as an Ambassador as well as the Race director for the 9/11 Heroes run near Tampa, Florida. He is Married to Elizabeth Higgins and has 4 children, Casey, Jimmy, Connor, and Coper.
