Two weeks ago felt like one of those rare times in life where time slows, the world softens, and you suddenly see your family legacy in a brand new light.
We went to Chicago for my dad’s induction into the Radio Hall of Fame, and I still feel the magic of it all. The pride, the nostalgia, the gratitude, the reminder that when you stay devoted to your craft and you lead with heart, people notice, and not always loudly or immediately, but eventually and undeniably.
Sitting in that room filled with legends, I kept thinking about legacy, not the kind you chase publicly, the kind you build quietly every single day. The kind you do not always see until you look back.
So many incredibly talented and well deserved honorees were celebrated. People who have spent decades shaping voices, shaping culture, and shaping moments that became memories for millions of listeners who never even saw their faces. That is the thing about radio, the work lives in hearts more than headlines.
Then there was a hilarious moment that I will never forget, I told my daughters that Alice Cooper was there, they got excited and said, “Wait, Alex Cooper from Call Her Daddy?”
No, Not Alex, Alice. The original rock icon. Schools Out For Summer Alice Cooper. Two worlds, two different eras, and all of us learning from each other.
Parenting teens is like that, a blend of nostalgia and evolution. A letting go and a holding close, a reminder that they are watching us just as much as we are guiding them.
While we were in Chicago we did all the things that refuel me. We explored, we shopped at Alo and Aritzia, we walked, we worked out. We went to this secret designer thrift store that you have to make reservations at, then you get the address, then you have to ring a bell to get called in. Major vintage designer handbags, clothes, and more! I saw this amazing vintage Dior suitcase and forgot how much I used to love fashion. I sometimes feel like since I am so spiritual and a yoga and spiritual teacher, I am not supposed to like designer things anymore. (another story for another day)
I soaked in every second of being with my daughters, my whole family, and celebrating my dad. I kept thinking, “This is what matters.” Being present, being together, not trying to create the perfect weekend trip, or a perfect Instagram post, not rushing, or having everything planned out. Just family, fun, food, and lots of gratitude.
It also made me think deeply about purpose, and about following your passion even when it is winding. About the chapters we do not see coming and the ones we never knew we would be strong enough to walk through.
My dad never chased the spotlight, he chases excellence, he leads with dedication, integrity, and love for his work. Seeing him honored reminded me to stay true to my own values, my own path, my own voice. Even when the industry shifts and boy has the wellness industry shifted these past few years. Even when social media gets loud and every influencers and “wellness” experts starts to become so polarizing, that I feel like I am lost in a sea of fear that sells and all I want to do is share fitness and “old school wellness”.
Success is not always the loudest, sometimes it is the most consistent, the most intentional, the most authentic, and maybe that is what I want to leave you with today.
Keep showing up, keep building your life patiently and passionately, you don’t have to post everything on social media, you don’t have to compare your journey to other people in your life or business.
Your legacy is forming quietly in the times that no one sees.
One day your children will look at you with the same awe I felt watching my dad walk on that stage.
Here is to legacy.
Here is to believing in your purpose so deeply that time honors you for it.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
