In a world that praises accumulation, we’re learning to let go — of stuff, of expectations, and the illusion that staying put is the only way to feel grounded.
A legacy doesn't have to be money or property. Inheritance can be limiting - think of how it works out for many offspring of celebrities. Being solely responsible can also mean freedom.
Yes, this. Legacy as “stuff” can feel like a weight, not a gift – especially when it comes with expectations or scripts you never chose.
I love how you framed responsibility as freedom. That’s the heart of what I’m trying to explore with reverse legacy too: passing down options, values, and experiences instead of obligations and clutter.
I love this mentality and approach. Science has found that there's only one way that money can buy you happiness: If you spend it on experiences. Such as traveling and exploring. These create memories and stories that grow in value for all the people who experienced them together, as the years go by. Really if you think about collectors of any stripe, it could be antiques, old toys, military items, etc, they are all collecting memories of their own lives and those of the people they care about. It's not about the items, it's about the memories and stories attached to those items that hold its true value.
This is beautifully said, Mack. That’s exactly how I’ve come to see it too — the real “value” is never the object, it’s the story woven into it. And the wild thing about experiences is that they appreciate over time. A shared trip, a moment you couldn’t have planned, a memory that becomes part of the family lore… that’s the kind of wealth that keeps compounding.
Maybe that’s why slow travel has felt like such a good fit for us — it’s really just collecting memories on purpose.
Kelly you are exactly correct, I agree 100%! The experiences become stories and a shared bond among the friends and family members who experienced them. It’s precisely why money spent on experiences DOES buy happiness whereas money spent on products brings diminishing amounts of happiness over time. Money spent on experiences creates more happiness over time, for all the reasons you listed.
I hope you and your family create many wonderful Christmas memories this year!
Absolutely, Mack — and as a total quality-time person, this all tracks for me on every level. I also love that it’s scientifically correct… feels like getting emotional validation and empirical data in one go.
Here’s to a season full of the good stuff — the memories, the stories, and the moments we get to keep adding to the pile. Wishing you and your family the same!
This is brilliant and really resonates for my chapter of life.
So glad it landed with you — this season of life asks us to carry less and live more, doesn’t it? Sending you ease for whatever chapter you’re in!
💛 Kelly
A legacy doesn't have to be money or property. Inheritance can be limiting - think of how it works out for many offspring of celebrities. Being solely responsible can also mean freedom.
Yes, this. Legacy as “stuff” can feel like a weight, not a gift – especially when it comes with expectations or scripts you never chose.
I love how you framed responsibility as freedom. That’s the heart of what I’m trying to explore with reverse legacy too: passing down options, values, and experiences instead of obligations and clutter.
Thanks for naming it so clearly, Lisa! 💛 Kelly
I love this mentality and approach. Science has found that there's only one way that money can buy you happiness: If you spend it on experiences. Such as traveling and exploring. These create memories and stories that grow in value for all the people who experienced them together, as the years go by. Really if you think about collectors of any stripe, it could be antiques, old toys, military items, etc, they are all collecting memories of their own lives and those of the people they care about. It's not about the items, it's about the memories and stories attached to those items that hold its true value.
This is beautifully said, Mack. That’s exactly how I’ve come to see it too — the real “value” is never the object, it’s the story woven into it. And the wild thing about experiences is that they appreciate over time. A shared trip, a moment you couldn’t have planned, a memory that becomes part of the family lore… that’s the kind of wealth that keeps compounding.
Maybe that’s why slow travel has felt like such a good fit for us — it’s really just collecting memories on purpose.
💛 Kelly
Kelly you are exactly correct, I agree 100%! The experiences become stories and a shared bond among the friends and family members who experienced them. It’s precisely why money spent on experiences DOES buy happiness whereas money spent on products brings diminishing amounts of happiness over time. Money spent on experiences creates more happiness over time, for all the reasons you listed.
I hope you and your family create many wonderful Christmas memories this year!
Absolutely, Mack — and as a total quality-time person, this all tracks for me on every level. I also love that it’s scientifically correct… feels like getting emotional validation and empirical data in one go.
Here’s to a season full of the good stuff — the memories, the stories, and the moments we get to keep adding to the pile. Wishing you and your family the same!
💛 Kelly