Join Sina McCullough, Ph.D. in nutrition, on her quest to uncover truths about food and health. A scientist by training and journalist by nature, Sina offers facts and insights about how to live healthy, happy, and free.

I was watching my kids play outside, their laughter filling the air, when a thought struck me: One day, they’ll tell stories about me to their kids.

My friends and family—maybe even people I cross paths with in small but meaningful ways—may share stories about me.

What will they say?

It’s not a question we often stop to consider in the hustle of daily life. Yet, it’s the thread that weaves together the story of who we are, etched in the hearts of others.

I hope to be remembered as someone with the courage to be authentic, the boldness to live with childlike faith, and the strength to choose the freedom of forgiveness.

Not Perfect, But Genuine

Authenticity isn’t always easy–especially when we feel like we’re not enough.

Social media bombards us with polished versions of success, happiness, and beauty, tempting us to measure our worth against filtered highlights. The pressure to perform seeps into career, parenting, home life—even our hobbies. It’s exhausting.

Perfection places us under the harsh spotlight of self-criticism. When we’re constantly second-guessing ourselves, it’s hard to be genuine. Some of us, myself included, have spent years chasing the elusive “good enough” finish line. If only I were smarter, thinner, or more accomplished, I’d finally feel worthy.

There is always another finish line.

Embracing who you are—not an idealized version of who you hope to become someday—allows your authentic self to shine. The world may forget polished performances, but it remembers a heart that was genuine.

Authenticity isn’t something you achieve. It’s something you allow. It’s recognizing that you are enough right now. You do not have to earn the right to breathe.

It’s catching yourself when you compare. Ask, “Am I measuring my worth by someone else’s highlight reel?” It’s finding what makes you feel alive. Those moments when you lose track of time, when you’re fully present—that’s the real you. It’s letting people see the unpolished version of you. The messy, real version—that’s the one that truly connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression.

Maybe it’s time to ask: “Is there anywhere in my life where I’m still chasing ‘good enough.’”

What would happen if you let that finish line disappear?

Childlike Faith

When was the last time you tried something new simply because it excited you?

Children leap into the unknown fueled by curiosity and wonder. They don’t ask, “Am I qualified? What if I fail?” They just leap, trusting they’ll figure it out as they go. Somewhere along the way, most of us trade curiosity for caution and bravery for comfort.

Faith isn’t about guarantees. It’s about trust—stepping into the unknown—believing that you’ll land on your feet no matter what happens. I learned this firsthand after publishing my first book. I was invited to speak at a church in Virginia alongside Joel Salatin, a legendary voice in regenerative farming.

To say I was intimidated would be an understatement.

After my talk, I sat down beside Joel, feeling like I’d blown it. But then Joel turned to me and said, “You just thoroughly impressed me.”

At that moment, I could have played it safe–smiled, nodded politely, and left it at that. Instead, I took a leap of faith. “Do you want to write a book together?” I asked. With a smile, Joel immediately replied, “Sure.”

That single act of childlike courage changed the course of my life. The book we wrote opened doors I never imagined, leading to a podcast we now co-host and speaking gigs around the country.

I hope my legacy will inspire others to leap.

Is there something you’re curious about or that excites you but you’ve held yourself back out of fear? If so, maybe it’s time to take one small step—just to see where it leads.

Forgiveness

Few things can shadow a legacy, like unresolved resentment.

Many of us struggle with forgiveness. We wonder: “Does forgiving mean excusing the hurt? If I’m still angry, does that mean I haven’t forgiven?”

Forgiveness isn’t about the other person—it’s about setting yourself free.

Holding onto anger or resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. Forgiveness is the antidote—a gift you give yourself—that releases the pain and makes room for joy, gratitude, and love. It doesn’t erase the past but transforms your relationship with it.

I once heard someone say, “Unforgiveness is like carrying around a backpack full of bricks. You can hold onto it if you want. You can even get used to the weight. But the moment you put it down, you realize just how heavy it was.”

The ability to forgive is at the heart of the legacy I hope to leave. It’s a daily choice—one that frees me from the weight of the past, making space for authenticity and the courage to leap into new adventures.

The day forgiveness clicked for me was when I heard motivational speaker Louise Hay say, “I forgive you for not being the way I wanted you to be.” At that moment, I realized my resentment wasn’t just about what had happened—it was about a misplaced expectation. I had expected someone to be a certain way, act a certain way, or love or support me the way I needed. When they didn’t, I became upset.

People can only give what they have. Expecting them to be someone they’re not is like expecting them to carry the entire ocean when they’re only capable of holding a thimbleful of water—it’s just not possible.

That realization didn’t make the hurt instantly disappear. But it did allow me to put the weight down—not because they had changed—but because I had changed my perspective.

Who in your life have you been expecting to carry an ocean when all they have is a thimble?

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Legacies aren’t built in a day. They’re written in the small, everyday moments that reflect who you truly are.

The question isn’t whether you'll leave a legacy—you will. The question is: “What kind of legacy are you crafting today?”

Join the Conversation

This week’s community question is:

How do you want to be remembered?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section!