All of us want to produce something memorable in our lives that helps us feel validated.

And while most of us will not write the next Great American Novel, there are plenty of things we can do, and have done, that will leave a lasting footprint.

If “leaving a legacy” sounds like too high a mountain to climb, perhaps it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable challenge. A simple act of giving allows us to offer ourselves in service to others, and will make a difference.

As the great Maya Angelou said, “Your legacy is every life you’ve touched.”

In this season of Thanksgiving, let’s take a minute to think about the way we can have a positive impact on those around us.

Many women I speak with say they would like to create something that shows that they matter; that their presence made a difference. Solving 14 uni-color jigsaw puzzles during the pandemic, sharing your Instant Pot and Airfryer creations on social media, and perfecting your mahjong game just isn’t cutting it anymore.

But you can tap into those very activities that you use to pass your time and tweak them so they can do good for others. The end result: you will feel better about the way you are spending your time.

For example: Start a drive to collect all the puzzles people have completed and donate them to a school. Create a book of healthy recipes and donate the profits to a local food bank. Volunteer to teach mahjong to seniors at the community center.

Think even bigger. You might start a foundation to help underserved children in your community. Maybe a new business idea will support refugees. What about mentoring women who want to get back into the workforce? Or working with women to teach them organization skills for the home and for their finances.

We raised our children and have launched those healthy adults into the world; the time is right now to share our abundance. We can look at the earlier part of our lives with a bit of perspective. Many of us are appreciative of all we have received in the world, and want to give back a piece of it.

When we understand the energy we have at this point of our lives, we will thrive in our Empty Nest.

You have more freedom, flexibility, and perhaps funds than you have had in years.

What is something productive you can do that would allow you to feel like you are giving back?

If nothing got in your way, what work could you be doing?

What could make you feel “complete?”