For a while I have been pondering career and life. As I have mentioned before, I dwell a bit too much in the past and future, so finding the right balance in itself has been a journey for me.

The other day I attended a memorial service for a man I knew or at least I thought I knew. That is the case sometimes isn't it? You don't really find out all there is to know about someone until they are gone and others are speaking on their behalf.

Attending memorials causes me to reflect on my own life so far. I ask questions such as "is this it?", "is this all I have offered and will leave behind?". These thoughts fold into others about what exactly I am doing. That is where career comes in. I used to think of a career as a standalone activity. That really is a job, not a career. I now think of a career as a body of work. Total work, not just job or revenue generating activity, but what I do for others and my community.

At the memorial service I heard many stories about the man who had passed. Many were of self sacrifice for the benefit of others. Many were of how he approached others and life in general. Gratitude came to my mind.

There were many positive comments made about the man. I know that no one is perfect, and I am sure he was not. Still, the amount of goodwill he spread was inspiring to hear. He had put himself in positions of adding to his community. There were many gives and not many takes. Over time he had built up an impressive emotional bank account (a nod to Steven Covey) with those he came in contact with.

So I will leave this post with a few thoughts. As I continue my own journey through this Non Linear Life, I will continue to strive for these things;

• Leave a positive imprint whereever I go
• Remember the golden rule (look it up)
• Stay true to myself and values
• Continue to question the status quo
• Never, ever, stop learning and asking questions
• Stay curious as a child

Like many people, I want to have left behind a trace of my existence. Well only the better parts at least.

How about you? What do you want to be remembered for?