Hi guys! Welcome to Episode 587 of The Wildly Successful Lifestyle podcast! I’m Heidi and I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Especially today when my heart feels so heavy, and maybe yours does too with some of the things that have happened this week. So I wanted to talk about rising above loss, honoring someone’s impact, and choosing grace in tough moments.
This week, I found myself reflecting on the idea of legacy—what it means to leave a mark on the world, to live with purpose, and to inspire others. I’ve always believed that every single one of us has a unique light to shine, and when someone’s light touches others, it creates ripples that go far beyond what we can see. Today, I want to honor someone who did just that: Charlie Kirk.
Now, if you’re a longtime listener, you know I steer clear of politics here. That’s not what this space is about. This podcast is about mindset, growth, and lifting each other up. So, today, I’m not talking about Charlie’s views or his work in that arena. I’m talking about his energy, his passion, and the way he showed up unapologetically as himself. He was someone who believed in his mission, who spoke with conviction, and who inspired countless people—especially young people—to engage with the world around them. That’s something we can all learn from, no matter what we believe.
When I heard about Charlie’s passing, it hit me hard. Not because I knew him personally, but because it reminded me how fragile life is. One moment, someone’s here, pouring their heart into their work, and the next, they’re gone. It made me pause and ask: What am I doing with my moments? And I bet some of you are asking that too. What does it mean to live fully, right now, in a way that honors not just our own purpose but the people who’ve inspired us?
Charlie Kirk was someone who lived with purpose. He didn’t wait for permission to share his voice. He didn’t shrink back because of criticism. He showed up, day after day, with courage. And that’s a lesson for all of us.
So, how do we honor someone like that? How do we honor anyone who’s left a mark on the world? I think it starts with looking at our own lives. Are we showing up fully? Are we chasing what sets our hearts on fire? For me, this podcast is part of that. You all know I’ve been doing this for five years, and some days, I wonder if my quiet flame is enough. But then I remember: It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being true to who you are and touching even one person’s life. That’s what Charlie did in his way, and that’s what we can do in ours.
I was listening to Scott Adams this morning because I knew he would have valuable timely advice on how to move forward with love after a loss. Especially a loss of someone who maybe inspired you to be a better person. His one biggest piece of advice was to do something. If something has been on your heart to take action in a peaceful loving way that helps all of mankind heal and move forward Here are three ways to rise above and honor the legacy of someone who’s inspired you—whether it’s Charlie or someone else in your life:
For some that may mean embracing your own voice. Charlie was known for speaking boldly, even when it was hard. You don’t have to agree with everything he said to admire that courage. So, ask yourself: Where am I holding back? Maybe it’s speaking up in a meeting, sharing a creative idea, or even starting that project you’ve been dreaming about. This week, take one small step to use your voice. It could be as simple as telling someone you appreciate them or posting that thought you’ve been hesitant to share.
Second don’t wait until everything is perfect to start something that has been on your heart. I’ve said it before: You don’t have to be perfect to be enough. Charlie didn’t wait for everything to be perfect to start his work—he just started. And look at the ripples he created. So, let go of the need to have it all figured out. If you’re waiting for the “right moment” to chase your goal, let this be your sign: The right moment is now.
And finally choose to live with grace, especially in hard times. Loss, like what we’re feeling with Charlie’s passing, can make us angry, sad, or even lost. But here’s what I’ve learned: Grace is a choice. It’s choosing to see the good, to hold space for healing, and to keep moving forward. Maybe that means forgiving someone, being kinder to yourself, or simply taking a deep breath when the world feels heavy. Grace is how we lift ourselves and others up.
I was thinking about my husband Eric the other day—he’s been such a cheerleader for this podcast since day one. When I started, I had doubts, but He just kept saying “Heidi, just keep going. You have no idea of the impact you have on people, you have no idea who you are helping. He told me my voice matters. That’s what I want to say to you today: Your voice matters. Your purpose matters. And every day you choose to show up, you’re honoring the people who’ve inspired you, whether they’re still here or not.
I want to leave you with this thought: Life is short, but it’s also so beautiful when we live it with intention. Charlie Kirk’s life reminded me of that. He showed up, he spoke his truth, and he inspired others to do the same. So, let’s honor him—and everyone who’s touched our lives—by living fully, right now.
Take a moment today to reflect: What’s one thing you can do to shine your light a little brighter? Maybe it’s calling a loved one, starting that passion project, or just giving yourself permission to rest. Whatever it is, do it with love and courage.
Thank you for listening today and every day. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a little lift. And as always, keep living wildly successful—not by the world’s standards, but by yours. I love you guys, I’ll talk to you in a few days.
