By Anna Trishch
We all have the opportunity to leave a positive impression in the world.
“Would you like to come to England?” The question came from a person who, within a short period of time, had left a significant footprint in my life. “For a week or two, just for a visit,” he said. “You will love this beautiful land.”
I was hooked! I love traveling and exploring new places, and I had never been to England. I am a person of adventure! I am not afraid to take risks and boldly approach life; I even moved alone from the Ukraine to the United States at 21—and that required big courage.
We landed at Heathrow Airport in London on a grey and rainy day. Coming from hot and sunny Miami, cold and rainy London was quite a contrast. Nonetheless, I was excited and ready to explore. As we left the busy airport, we headed to Worcestershire County, and I was introduced to the lavish green countryside of this wonderful land. We stayed in Hanley Castle (in the Malvern Hills District), a cozy, peaceful and serene paradise surrounded by pristine nature. It was a wonderful place to relax, reflect upon life, communicate with nature and reconnect with the source of our creativity. At such moments of introspection, I realize that life and the world have so much to offer. Every morning I woke up feeling grateful.
I grew up in a small village in Ukraine but, as you might imagine, Ukrainian villages are very different from English hamlets. Even though there was a stark contrast, I could remember my childhood and relate it to the quiet and peaceful atmosphere I was experiencing—the chirping of the birds, the delightful fragrances of flowers and blossoming trees, and nice people.
There also were stunning sunrises and sunsets—breathtaking, magnificent and awe-inspiring. I truly loved exploring the beauty of the nature in England. And I particularly enjoyed the quintessential British hamlets, traditional small settlements with a church, school, post office and a pub.
My next stop was Stratford-upon-Avon, the medieval market town in England’s West Midlands where William Shakespeare was born. Even in the small village schools of Ukraine, we studied translations of Shakespeare. I was truly thrilled to visit the land of one of the greatest writers in the English language, the world’s preeminent dramatist and England’s national poet! Now a museum, Shakespeare’s birthplace is a restored 16th century half-timbered house situated on Hanley Street. It is a simple dwelling, with just the essentials for living like beds, chairs, a fireplace, and a chest of drawers. Shakespeare’s father John was a middle class glove maker and wool dealer, and the family’s house was divided into two parts to accommodate John’s workshop.
There are so many foreigners who come from all over the world to stand on the landmark where this great mind sprang forth. The plethora of languages one hears during a visit is living testimony to Shakespeare’s ongoing international appeal. He has managed to imprint his name in the world of literature, poetry, and drama. His legacy is eternal—his words of wisdom are beloved. We can confidently say that his mark on Earth was significant and profound.
Walking down the original stone floors in the 400-plus-year-old house where Shakespeare was born, educating myself about life in 16th century England, and sensing the medieval British spirit made me think about the footprints we all have the opportunity to leave behind for others.
What legacy are you going to leave for this world?
You don’t have to be as famous as Shakespeare for your life to carry great meaning. However, you do have to proactively set an intention to make your mark. Ask yourself these questions: How are you living your life? Are you intentionally writing a story with meaning, one that focuses on adding value to humankind?
These questions require self-reflection. They should be taken seriously, considered thoughtfully, and then reconsidered regularly to make sure you are on track in life. Live a live that matters, be proactive rather than reactive, travel far and wide to learn from others, and take every step in life with intention.
“Begin with the end in mind.”—Stephen Covey
Anna Trishch is a lover of life, an author, a life coach and a public speaker. Coming from a very modest background in a small Ukrainian town, she faced many challenges and financial hardships as a child and teenager. Anna went on to study at Ostroh Academy, one of the best Ukrainian universities. Today, she speaks four languages and lives her dream life in Miami. She helps people to discover the universal truth about human greatness and unlimited human potential; it is never about resources, but always about resourcefulness. Visit her online at www.annatrishch.com, email annatrishch1@gmail.com or call 786-768-4130.