What If Your Great-Grandkids Could Walk in Your Shoes?

There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t wish my dad could’ve seen it all: my convocation ceremony, my wedding, my kids being born. All these defining moments of my life exist in stunning 4K, just a tap away on a screen.

But my dad never got to see any of them.

He passed away before any of those milestones happened. And what hits even harder? I don’t have much from his life either. No videos. No detailed photos. No real documentation. Just fragments of stories passed down, maybe a handful of pictures, but that’s it. A whole life lived and barely anything captured.

It’s a generational gap, and a pretty big one.

We Carry a Documentary Film Crew in Our Pockets

Unlike my dad’s era, we now live in a world where every moment of every laugh, stumble, win, or heartbreak can be recorded in high definition. Our phones are like mini-documentary crews, constantly capturing the raw footage of our lives. The tech is here, and it’s powerful.

But it’s not just about capturing moments. It’s about preserving legacy. Because one day, our great-grandkids might not just hear about us, they might watch us, walk with us, maybe even feel like they knew us.

AR Glasses and the Future of Memory

Think about this: a hundred years from now, someone could throw on a pair of Apple Vision Pros or whatever next-gen device exists and see our lives unfold like a live experience. Not just a blurry photo or a few lines in a dusty family tree, but an immersive journey into how we lived, what we valued, how we saw the world.

That’s not science fiction anymore. That’s where we’re headed.

Everyday Moments Are the Legacy

Here’s the thing: most of what you record won’t go viral. And that’s okay. You’re not filming for likes. You’re filming for legacy.

You never know which moment will matter most. Maybe it’s that quiet video from your car when you talked about your fears. Maybe it’s the chaotic birthday party or a deep conversation over dinner. Our everyday moments are someone else’s treasure. Those micro-moments will become the story.

They’ll scroll, skip, pause, and stop and in that process, they’ll get to know you. Learn from you. Be inspired by you.

Because legacy isn’t built on highlight reels. It’s built on truth. On being human.

Closing the Generational Gap

I never got to hear my dad’s voice on video. Never saw how he walked, laughed, or reacted to big moments. That loss stays with me. It makes me even more intentional about what I capture now. Not for vanity. For continuity. For connection. 

We don’t want our kids, grandkids, or great-grandkids to feel the same void we might have felt. We want to give them the gift of context, voice, expression and the full picture.

You Have No Idea Who You’re Inspiring

Let me say this: You have no idea how many people you’ve already inspired. People see how you move through the world. Your energy, your story, your presence matters.

And the crazy part is, your impact might stretch far beyond your lifetime. You’re not just creating content. You’re creating connections. Memory. Meaning.

Legacy Isn’t a Moment, It’s a Continuum

We often think of legacy as a culmination of big achievements, the award, the headline. But in truth, legacy is a continuum. It’s the accumulation of our everyday choices, the way we show up for people, the tiny moments that build into something eternal.

And now, thanks to technology, we have the means to ensure that the continuum never breaks.

The Power of Visual Storytelling Is in Your Pocket

Today, anyone with a phone has the ability to tell powerful stories. You don’t need a film crew or fancy equipment, it's all right there in your pocket. And that changes everything.

We’ve never had this kind of access before. High-quality cameras. Editing tools. Platforms to share our voices instantly. Storytelling is no longer reserved for the few, it's for all of us.

That means your life, your experiences, your perspective matter. They can inspire. They can teach. And they can live on.

By documenting the real, raw, and honest parts of our journey, we’re not just creating memories, we're shaping legacy. We’re making sure the stories that get passed down aren’t just those from the loudest voices or biggest stages, but from everyday people doing extraordinary things simply by being themselves.

And that’s the real power of visual storytelling.

Final Thought: Record it. Share it. Not for the likes, for the legacy

We’ve been gifted this crazy ability to preserve our lives in ways our parents and grandparents never could. Let’s not waste it.

Tell your stories. Record your thoughts. Capture the chaos and the calm. Because one day,  your great-granddaughter might put on a headset, watch your life unfold, and say: That’s where I get it from.

And maybe, just maybe, it’ll inspire them to live a little differently too.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.