FROM GENERATION TO GENERATOR: BUILDING LEGACY THROUGH VALUES

At MURFF, we believe that a legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind—it’s about what you instill in the people you love and the impact you have on the next generation. A true legacy is built not from material things, but from values. It’s about teaching our children, our communities, and those who look up to us how to be strong, resilient, balanced, and united. It’s about giving them the tools to create their own legacy, one rooted in the values that matter most.

As the founders of MURFF, our journey has been deeply shaped by the desire to leave behind something more meaningful than just a brand. It’s about creating a culture of values that can stand the test of time and inspire others to do the same. In this post, we’ll reflect on the importance of passing down values, share how the MURFF community is building their own legacies, and offer practical tips for families looking to instill lasting values.

The Importance of Passing Down Values

Growing up, I was surrounded by people who taught me the importance of resilience, ambition, and the power of unity. My parents (Mez and Cliffy) guided and taught me well. They also exposed me to such a variety of experiences and people who I learnt so much from. These are the values that shaped who I am today, and now, as a parent, it’s my turn to pass them on to our son. Values like strength, creativity, and growth aren’t just things you talk about—they’re things you live by, day in and day out. 

It wasn’t until I became a mother that I truly understood the significance of teaching these values. I am also very lucky that my husband has the same set of values and direction that I do. Watching our son grow, explore, and start to build his own sense of self has reminded me that the most important gift we can give to the next generation is not a set of possessions, but a set of principles that will guide them through life’s challenges. Whether it’s in the way we treat others, the way we face adversity, or how we approach our goals, our values define us. 

For us at MURFF, creating a lasting legacy is about more than just the product. It’s about shaping a culture where these values are instilled in the way we live, work, and interact with the world. And the beauty of it is, these values get passed down from generation to generation, growing stronger with each individual who carries them forward.

How the MURFF Community is Creating Legacies

The MURFF community isn’t just about wearing cool clothes—it’s about embodying the values that matter most in every aspect of life. The values of MURFF weren’t created in isolation—they have been shaped by the incredible people in our lives who embody them every day. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who reflect the very essence of stability, resilience, ambition, and unity. It’s difficult to name just a few when every aspect of our life is filled with people who live these values.

But as I reflect on my own journey, I know there are four people who have been a constant presence for over 22 years. Their unwavering support, wisdom, and influence have been instrumental in shaping not only who I am but also the foundation of MURFF. They have challenged, encouraged, and inspired me in ways that have strengthened my own values—values that now live at the heart of this brand.

I have mentioned this before but one of the most touching moments for us was when a close family friend, someone I consider a mentor and whom our son loves, was the first to purchase a MURFF shirt. The bond she shares with our son runs deep. They’ve made a pact that when he finishes school, she will retire. She has always been one my strongest supporters, constantly pushing and challenging me to go after my dreams. She doesn’t just stand by my side; she believes in me even when I have doubts. When she bought the first shirt, it felt like more than just a purchase—it was a reflection of the values she’s been instilling in our son, and of the strength, determination, and love she’s passed down to him.

In addition to her, I have three other incredible women in my life who have also played vital roles in encouraging me to follow my passion and inspire me. The first is someone who lives to run marathons. Her mental toughness, dedication, and the way she upholds her values are truly admirable. Despite her own strength and discipline, she is a gentle soul, always offering encouragement and support. Her ability to push past limits, both physically and mentally, motivates me to keep striving for my own goals. The second is my calming influence—the one I turn to when I need direction and peace of mind. She has a way of settling my restless spirit and guiding me with quiet strength. When my inner self wants balance and calm, I seek her advice. I might not tell her often, but I truly appreciate how she always provides unwavering support. Her constant positive comments and encouragement help build my confidence and remind me of my worth, even on the tough days. She might not know but even her deep breaths when she stressed remind me how important it is to take moments to resettle. 

The other is someone who our son calls Aunty. While she isn’t a blood relative, her son is our son’s biggest role model. She challenges me in the best way—she’s not afraid to speak the truth, to push me outside of my comfort zone, and to encourage me to pursue what I truly believe in. We often talk about what we’ll be doing together when we retire—how our kids will be looking after us (if our husbands aren’t around). The laughter we share and the experience we’ve had through life’s ups and downs have created an unbreakable bond. Aunty has seen our family through some of the toughest times but has also been right there to share in our celebrations. I’ll never forget the day she first held our son—she cried, and I could feel how much she loved him even then. She’s been my champion, offering unwavering support and encouragement, especially when I needed it most. Each of these women has brought something invaluable into my life—support, wisdom, and a drive to keep going. As we are all educators, this shared experience has meant even more and we can all see the need for this in the young people we teach.

Through their encouragement and belief in us, we have found the strength to pursue MURFF and create a brand that reflects the values of resilience, unity, and ambition. They’ve helped us realise that following our passion isn’t just for us—it’s for the generations to come. And just like them, we hope to inspire others to do the same.

In our community, we see parents and mentors doing the same thing. We hope they are  using MURFF as a way to teach their children about the power of resilience, unity, and ambition. It’s not just about what we wear, it’s about the conversations we have, the examples we set, and the legacies we build.

Practical Tips for Families Looking to Instill Lasting Values

As families, we have the unique opportunity to create lasting legacies that will resonate for generations to come. But how do we ensure that the values we hold dear are passed down in a way that is meaningful and impactful? Here are a few practical tips for instilling lasting values in your family:

1. Lead by Example:
   Children learn more from what we do than from what we say. Be a role model for the values you want to instill. Show them how to approach challenges with resilience, how to treat others with kindness, and how to pursue their goals with ambition and dedication.

2. Make Values a Daily Conversation:
   Talk openly about the values that matter most to you. Create regular family discussions around topics like resilience, strength, and balance. Share stories of when these values played a pivotal role in your life, and encourage your children to reflect on how they can apply them in their own lives. Every young person loves a BACK IN MY DAY story :) 

3. Celebrate Small Wins:
   Celebrate the moments when your children embody the values you’ve taught them. Whether it’s a small victory in their personal growth, a moment of resilience when faced with a challenge, or an act of kindness, acknowledging these behaviors helps reinforce the importance of values.

4. Create Traditions Around Values:
   Start traditions that emphasize the values you want to instill. Whether it’s a family volunteering day, a weekly reflection on goals, or an annual “gratitude circle,” traditions help reinforce the lessons you want your children to remember.

5. Encourage Their Own Journey:
   Every child is different, and their own path will lead them to discover their values in unique ways. Encourage them to explore and find what resonates with them. The goal isn’t to force your values on them, but to empower them to develop their own sense of purpose rooted in what matters most.

Final Thoughts: Leaving a Legacy That Matters

The legacy we leave behind isn’t just about our accomplishments, it’s about the values we pass down to the next generation. It’s about teaching our children and those around us to be strong, to be kind, and to live with purpose. Be the best HUMAN they can be. At MURFF, we’re committed to building a legacy that is grounded in the core values that have shaped us. And we hope that through our brand and our community, we can inspire you to do the same. Together, we can build a future where the legacy of strength, unity, and resilience lives on—generation after generation.

#BEAMURFF