On this day 42 years ago, my Brother Eddie was born. On this day 14 years ago, he was murdered.
I was just a freshman in college. As you can imagine, this was a devastating event. Yet, out of this trauma came an important quest.
There is so much I can tell you about Eddie that would help your business. He had a serious hustle as a popular Deejay. However, it was his death that revealed the impact he had on people.
As I sat in the front pew at the funeral home drifting in and out of denial, the constant parade of people who arrived to pay their respects to my brother intrigued me. I don’t know if my family took an actual count, but they added an extra viewing day to accommodate the growing procession of people who loved and respected Eddie.
Experiencing this along with hearing their funny and passionate stories led to me asking myself this one question: What will people say about me when I die?
The first thing that came to mind, “Oh, Quanisha was a good student.” This answer didn’t satisfy me.
Of course, only 18 years old at the time, I hadn’t done anything groundbreaking. By student standards, I was a success. I just completed my fall semester at an Ivy League university. An accomplishment and hard-won battle given that I grew up in a South Bronx housing project with a mother who struggled with a severe drug problem. My plan included attending medical school to become a surgeon.
When I thought about my life legacy, I wanted it to be greater than scholarship.
You see, Eddie wasn’t just a Deejay. He lived and breathed music. Describing what he possessed as a talent or a passion wouldn’t do him justice. While yes I loved school and learning, it didn’t mirror the relationship Eddie had with music. And so began my quest to craft a life I could be proud of in death (Morbid, I know).
When you consider your legacy, what will your family and friends (including your haters) say about you?
What will make you so unique that no one can deny your genius and your impact?
December 9th is the toughest day of the year for me. But it’s also the day that I remember my brother for his love and impact on my life. I literally wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t part of my mission to honor him. During the suicidal part of my young adulthood, this desire to honor him kept me alive.
My challenge for you today is to ask yourself: “What will they say about me when I die?”
Does the answer satisfy you?
Will their stories still reflect a life where you haven’t fulfilled your potential…a life where you lived for everyone else or sacrificed for others at the expense of your passion and dreams?
Or
Will it be a tale of how you stepped out on faith and pursued your dream…of how your work impacted thousands and transformed their lives?
Today, you get to decide your tomorrow. Choose Well.
Peace & Love,
Quanisha
P.S. If you want the opportunity for deeper reflection so that you can articulate your mission and vision, I invite you to join the Mind Your Business Challenge. Over 7 days, you will achieve greater alignment with your life and business desires.
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