In the latest episode of the “Legacy Lyrics and Life” podcast, your host Shawna Wells, the insightful legacy architect, sits down with the remarkable Angela Perry. A lifelong educator and a dedicated friend, Angela dives deep into the concept of legacy—a term often reserved for a privileged few—and unravels the intricacies of her journey toward understanding and embodying it. Let’s explore the profound conversation they shared, which is rich with vulnerability, introspection, and empowerment.

Navigating Life’s Inflection Points

Angela shares how the notion of legacy once seemed elusive and distant. It felt like a concept only accessible to certain people. She reflects on her transition from seeing legacy as an elitist idea to recognizing it in everyday interactions with her family, especially during pivotal moments of change—like the pandemic and her personal experiences of divorce.

The conversation touches upon Angela’s moment of epiphany, a “spark” in her journey, as she aptly described it. Initially, it began with a reflective journal entry that prompted her to question: “How am I living?” This powerful inquiry guided her through life’s challenges and triumphs, helping her align her legacy and decisions with who she truly is.

Meeting the Many Selves

Angela paints a vivid picture of her transformative journey to “meet herself.” This process involved accepting, forgiving, and embracing past versions of herself. Through introspection, she discovered the importance of knowing oneself to answer the pressing question of how one is truly living. Angela’s engaging narrative reveals how reconnecting with every version of herself ultimately helped her find peace, clarity, and joy.

Instilling Legacy Through Connection

A significant part of Angela’s legacy-building journey is the deep bond she nurtures with her daughters through what she calls “one-to-ones”—intimate moments of engagement that transcend daily routines. These weekly conversations allow Angela to cultivate an understanding of her daughters’ individuality and aspirations. As her daughter expressed, the focus is not on what one wants to do, but rather on who one wants to become.

This practice highlights Angela’s commitment to fostering a legacy centered on personal identity and happiness, rather than solely on achievements and acquisitions.

Finding Inspiration Across Generations

Angela and Shawna delve into an invigorating discussion on the evolving nature of legacy, symbolized through inspiring lyrics and stories. The shared sentiment from Jay-Z’s song “Boss” encapsulates their philosophy: success is measured not by individual accomplishments but by the prosperity of those around us. It’s a call to community and mutual upliftment that resonates deeply with their conversation.

Moreover, Angela recounts a profound lesson from her grandfather, emphasizing the invaluable aspect of rest—not just the physical, but a restful state of being at peace. It’s a poignant reminder that, amidst the striving and achieving, there’s an intrinsic value in simply being and resting.

Legacy: A Living Connection

As Angela reflects on her daughter’s dreams, it becomes evident that legacy isn’t confined to predetermined paths or societal expectations. Her daughter’s vision of living a life rich in joy and freedom reaffirms the importance of agency and choice in crafting one’s own story. This perspective marks a significant shift from generational norms and expectations, echoing a broader narrative of agency and self-determination.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Introspection and Rest

Angela Perry’s narrative on the “Legacy Lyrics and Life” podcast paints a powerful picture of a life lived intentionally, with a legacy that honors past traditions while forging new paths for future generations. Her insights encourage us all to explore deeper questions of who we are and what we wish to leave behind. The podcast not only offers a look into Angela’s journey but also provides us with a framework to reconsider and reshape our legacies.

As always, thank you for tuning in to the “Legacy Lyrics and Life” podcast. Continue to explore the legacy you’re creating today. If this episode resonated with you, share it with others who might benefit from its wisdom and insights. Until next time, continue to live with legacy and presence.

About Shawna

Shawna has always been a resident hypewoman, and now she uses that enthusiasm to help others focus on legacy planning, long-term visions, and the impact of generational health and wealth. A legacy-architect, she is creating a new blueprint for Black families to live with intention. She supports them to live their dreams now and to pass those skills to generations to come.

Connect with her on LinkedIn

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About the 7 Gen Legacy Group

7 Gen is a legacy planning company, helping leaders name and claim the legacies they aim to leave. They are inspired by the philosophy of seven generation thinking and the Sanofka principle. 7 Gen offers personal legacy coaching as well as executive coaching for organizational legacies.In addition they have a number of workshops and retreats to transform your life and legacy.

Sign up for the newsletter to never miss an episode, workshop, or insight from 7Gen Legacy Group

Resources:

About the 7 Gen Legacy Group

7 Gen is a legacy planning company, helping leaders name and claim the legacies they aim to leave. They are inspired by the philosophy of seven generation thinking and the Sanofka principle. 7 Gen offers personal legacy coaching as well as executive coaching for organizational legacies.In addition they have a number of workshops and retreats to transform your life and legacy.

Sign up for the newsletter to never miss an episode, workshop, or insight from 7Gen Legacy Group

Resources:

Lyte as a Rock, MC Lyte

Living Your Legacy, Spring 2025 Application

10 Rituals for Living Your Legacy at Work (FREE Resource)