Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Learning to Save
I thought about the responsibilities of parenting earlier today while listening to the radio. Apparently today is Teach Your Children to Save Day, a time when parents are encouraged to teach their children about saving money.
One lady told of her strict guidelines. Her children receive a dollar a week for every year of their age. So a seven year old would get seven dollars a week. From that money, she requires the child to put 10 percent back as tithes, another 30 percent away for college, and 40 percent is allocated for savings. That leaves the child with 20 percent “for fun.” What this means, though, is that the child only gets $1.40 per week to spend at will.
It is an interesting idea, but I am not capable of being that strict with my own funds. If I only had 20 percent of my paycheck left each week, I wouldn’t even have enough money to go to the grocery store, let alone pay bills.
I will agree, though, that teaching one’s child to save is part of that responsibility as a parent. Money cannot be simply thrown away or spent on useless items. It should be invested into something.
My elder son, Creed, is seven. Last year, he spent nine months saving money to buy himself a Nintendo DS. I gave him plenty of opportunities to earn money, but it was up to him to decide if he wanted to earn it and whether or not he would save it back for the video game player he wanted. It was a very good lesson for him. He didn’t always want to make his bed or put away his clothes. On those days, he didn’t receive any financial reward, just as most adults don’t when they decide they don’t want to go to work. And, sometimes, he decided to buy something with his money – like a toy he only played with a few times. Eventually, he began to realize that saving for something bigger and better that definitely had a longer life expectancy might be the right choice.
When the day came for him to buy his DS, I fronted extra cash to get him a game to play in it. He handed the money to the cashier himself and told the cashier just how long he had been saving. For that reason, he takes better care of that game system than what he would if he had not earned it.
Even his younger brother realizes the effort. For that reason, my four-year-old son is now saving for a DS. He doesn’t plan on waiting until he is seven to get it.
I decided to try this approach when thinking about the times that I earned money to make purchases in my younger years. I once saved enough pennies to buy myself a garment bag for traveling. On another occasion, I saved every bit of money possible to buy myself an expensive pair of tennis shoes. I soon realized the shoes weren’t worth the $130 it cost to have them as my own. I never again spent that much money on shoes.
As a society, we seem to believe that debt is okay and not saving is the norm. It isn’t the way to a successful future, though. Nor is it a way to be a good steward of money.
Recently, I was encouraged by Creed’s ability to use money properly. I guess the DS lesson continues to stick with him.
I sent Creed to the circus with $20 last week. He asked for the money so he could buy himself something. I granted his wish as a result of good behavior (the whole rewards system). I actually thought to myself after he had gone to school that I hoped a lot of the merchandise wasn’t over the $20 limit Creed had. When I picked him up that evening, he confessed he didn’t buy anything for his brother. I told him that was fine, as I didn’t even expect him to do so. He said he used his money on someone else instead. I questioned to find out more. He said he bought a tiger cub-shaped cup with ice cream in it for $10. When he realized someone else watching the circus only had a nickel, he bought that young friend the same thing he had. After all, he told me, 10 plus 10 equals 20. He shared half of what he was given with someone else. I was extremely happy with him.
I may not be strict in forcing him to save for college or putting 40 percent of his money into a savings account, but the objective of teaching him to be a good steward of money is definitely a productive one.
One lady told of her strict guidelines. Her children receive a dollar a week for every year of their age. So a seven year old would get seven dollars a week. From that money, she requires the child to put 10 percent back as tithes, another 30 percent away for college, and 40 percent is allocated for savings. That leaves the child with 20 percent “for fun.” What this means, though, is that the child only gets $1.40 per week to spend at will.
It is an interesting idea, but I am not capable of being that strict with my own funds. If I only had 20 percent of my paycheck left each week, I wouldn’t even have enough money to go to the grocery store, let alone pay bills.
I will agree, though, that teaching one’s child to save is part of that responsibility as a parent. Money cannot be simply thrown away or spent on useless items. It should be invested into something.
My elder son, Creed, is seven. Last year, he spent nine months saving money to buy himself a Nintendo DS. I gave him plenty of opportunities to earn money, but it was up to him to decide if he wanted to earn it and whether or not he would save it back for the video game player he wanted. It was a very good lesson for him. He didn’t always want to make his bed or put away his clothes. On those days, he didn’t receive any financial reward, just as most adults don’t when they decide they don’t want to go to work. And, sometimes, he decided to buy something with his money – like a toy he only played with a few times. Eventually, he began to realize that saving for something bigger and better that definitely had a longer life expectancy might be the right choice.
When the day came for him to buy his DS, I fronted extra cash to get him a game to play in it. He handed the money to the cashier himself and told the cashier just how long he had been saving. For that reason, he takes better care of that game system than what he would if he had not earned it.
Even his younger brother realizes the effort. For that reason, my four-year-old son is now saving for a DS. He doesn’t plan on waiting until he is seven to get it.
I decided to try this approach when thinking about the times that I earned money to make purchases in my younger years. I once saved enough pennies to buy myself a garment bag for traveling. On another occasion, I saved every bit of money possible to buy myself an expensive pair of tennis shoes. I soon realized the shoes weren’t worth the $130 it cost to have them as my own. I never again spent that much money on shoes.
As a society, we seem to believe that debt is okay and not saving is the norm. It isn’t the way to a successful future, though. Nor is it a way to be a good steward of money.
Recently, I was encouraged by Creed’s ability to use money properly. I guess the DS lesson continues to stick with him.
I sent Creed to the circus with $20 last week. He asked for the money so he could buy himself something. I granted his wish as a result of good behavior (the whole rewards system). I actually thought to myself after he had gone to school that I hoped a lot of the merchandise wasn’t over the $20 limit Creed had. When I picked him up that evening, he confessed he didn’t buy anything for his brother. I told him that was fine, as I didn’t even expect him to do so. He said he used his money on someone else instead. I questioned to find out more. He said he bought a tiger cub-shaped cup with ice cream in it for $10. When he realized someone else watching the circus only had a nickel, he bought that young friend the same thing he had. After all, he told me, 10 plus 10 equals 20. He shared half of what he was given with someone else. I was extremely happy with him.
I may not be strict in forcing him to save for college or putting 40 percent of his money into a savings account, but the objective of teaching him to be a good steward of money is definitely a productive one.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
To Freeze or Not
A news report the other day declares that we are getting ever closer to cryogenics becoming a common choice for those who die.
Don’t bury me. Don’t incinerate me and then spread my ashes over the ocean or my favorite tree. Instead, freeze me until a different period in time.
I would never choose such an option. I just don’t have the same desire as Walt Disney.
But, as I thought about this story, my mind began to consider Jack on Titanic. It still bothers me that he froze in that cold water. Sure, his relationship with Rose most likely would have been short lived. He was her liberator. He helped her leave the riches of life to become what she always wanted. Part of her would always love him for that, but she might have just viewed him as a passionate rebound relationship and moved on to other men. Who knows? We never had the opportunity to see that part of their lives or even imagine it. Instead, he never left the ocean. His liberation was the boat and his moments of happiness with Rose.
All these years after that movie came out, I wonder if she could have saved him. The scene where she breaks his frozen hands from the driftwood on which she was floating in the ocean frustrates me. He might have been frozen, but the boat was there to save them. Why didn’t she drag his frozen body with her. He might have been able to thaw.
You see, I had guppies one time that froze when we left home for the weekend. Such is the joy of having a wood stove for a heat supply. Soon, when the fire goes out, everything becomes quite cold in the blistery winter temperatures. My guppies didn’t die. They seem to have just been dormant for a time.
I also froze a bird one time. Same situation. Heat supply gone. Bird freezes. Don’t call PETA on me. The bird lived. He seemed to be fine, until a cat tempted him to come a little too low to the ground. The cat did not have the bird’s best intentions in mind.
So, what about Jack? I would have attempted to thaw him. They could have had many more wonderful experiences together ... at least an opportunity for them. Regardless, I just didn’t like the part where she knocks his hands off the driftwood and pushes him down into the ocean waters to be gone forever.
Cryogenics ... I wouldn’t choose it ... but Jack could might have been a good candidate.
Don’t bury me. Don’t incinerate me and then spread my ashes over the ocean or my favorite tree. Instead, freeze me until a different period in time.
I would never choose such an option. I just don’t have the same desire as Walt Disney.
But, as I thought about this story, my mind began to consider Jack on Titanic. It still bothers me that he froze in that cold water. Sure, his relationship with Rose most likely would have been short lived. He was her liberator. He helped her leave the riches of life to become what she always wanted. Part of her would always love him for that, but she might have just viewed him as a passionate rebound relationship and moved on to other men. Who knows? We never had the opportunity to see that part of their lives or even imagine it. Instead, he never left the ocean. His liberation was the boat and his moments of happiness with Rose.
All these years after that movie came out, I wonder if she could have saved him. The scene where she breaks his frozen hands from the driftwood on which she was floating in the ocean frustrates me. He might have been frozen, but the boat was there to save them. Why didn’t she drag his frozen body with her. He might have been able to thaw.
You see, I had guppies one time that froze when we left home for the weekend. Such is the joy of having a wood stove for a heat supply. Soon, when the fire goes out, everything becomes quite cold in the blistery winter temperatures. My guppies didn’t die. They seem to have just been dormant for a time.
I also froze a bird one time. Same situation. Heat supply gone. Bird freezes. Don’t call PETA on me. The bird lived. He seemed to be fine, until a cat tempted him to come a little too low to the ground. The cat did not have the bird’s best intentions in mind.
So, what about Jack? I would have attempted to thaw him. They could have had many more wonderful experiences together ... at least an opportunity for them. Regardless, I just didn’t like the part where she knocks his hands off the driftwood and pushes him down into the ocean waters to be gone forever.
Cryogenics ... I wouldn’t choose it ... but Jack could might have been a good candidate.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What We Say
Nothing can ever prepare one for motherhood. A book just would never be able to provide enough information to help one handle every situation that will arise.
I never expected I would have to tell my older son not to beat his brother in the head with a banana.
I never thought the words, “Don’t shine the pig’s butt in your brother’s eyes,” would ever be necessary. But, this morning on the way to school, I actually had to make that statement.
Sometimes I begin to wonder what is wrong in our little world. Today, I found sanity though as I listened to the radio. On K-Love the morning radio hosts asked listeners to call in with statements they never thought they would say.
The good news is that many other people, parents of course, make statements they wouldn’t expect.
“Don’t put that tortilla shell in your ear!”
We all have a list of items that we warn our children about when it comes to mouth, nose, and ears. They like to experiment. That’s how beans get stuck in ears, Legos end up in the digestive system, and blue PlayDoh must be pulled out of a nostril.
“No, no, please don’t lick the lizard!”
“Don’t eat deodorant.”
My children never had a strong attachment to deodorant, but I told them on multiple occasions to quit eating diaper rash ointment.
“Don’t blow your nose on people.”
“Don’t eat toe jam.”
“Underwear isn’t meant to be worn on your head.” I’ve found that the more I tell them that one, the funnier they think it is. They’ll both put underwear on their heads and run around the house as if they have now become mighty super heros.
“Don’t try to pee on each other.”
“Don’t lick the floor.”
Even worse ... “Don’t lick your shoes.”
For some reason, they’ll lick just about anything — sometimes even after they are told.
“Don’t blow Dorito breath in Mamaw’s face anymore.”
Obviously, many statements are expected and said nearly on a daily basis.
“Don’t lie down while you eat.”
“Chew with your mouths closed.”
“FEET OFF THE TABLE!”
“Hang your coats up.”
“Sneeze and cough in your elbow.”
“Don’t sniff; blow your nose.”
“Say ‘excuse me’ when you burp at the table or near someone else.”
It’s all part of this job with which we as parents are tasked. I never expected it to be as encompassing as it is. Children have a lot to learn. We, as parents, must do our best to teach them.
It also makes me glad for a song played frequently on K-Love noting, “There’s no such things as perfect people. There’s no such thing as a perfect life.” Good, cause we are far from perfect here.
Many statements must be made more than once. However, my sons figure out a few things the first time they do them.
Creed learned never again to try to swallow a plastic hanger after the one and only time he attempted it.
And, luckily, I only had to tell him once not to poop in a furnace vent. I did tell him more than once that it was time to stop pooping in his diaper and even that it was not proper to empty his diaper on the floor. (Thank God for disinfecting wipes!) The vent, well it just happened once.
Through it all, I will tell them every chance I get that I love them, even if they listen to that one the first time.
I never expected I would have to tell my older son not to beat his brother in the head with a banana.
I never thought the words, “Don’t shine the pig’s butt in your brother’s eyes,” would ever be necessary. But, this morning on the way to school, I actually had to make that statement.
Sometimes I begin to wonder what is wrong in our little world. Today, I found sanity though as I listened to the radio. On K-Love the morning radio hosts asked listeners to call in with statements they never thought they would say.
The good news is that many other people, parents of course, make statements they wouldn’t expect.
“Don’t put that tortilla shell in your ear!”
We all have a list of items that we warn our children about when it comes to mouth, nose, and ears. They like to experiment. That’s how beans get stuck in ears, Legos end up in the digestive system, and blue PlayDoh must be pulled out of a nostril.
“No, no, please don’t lick the lizard!”
“Don’t eat deodorant.”
My children never had a strong attachment to deodorant, but I told them on multiple occasions to quit eating diaper rash ointment.
“Don’t blow your nose on people.”
“Don’t eat toe jam.”
“Underwear isn’t meant to be worn on your head.” I’ve found that the more I tell them that one, the funnier they think it is. They’ll both put underwear on their heads and run around the house as if they have now become mighty super heros.
“Don’t try to pee on each other.”
“Don’t lick the floor.”
Even worse ... “Don’t lick your shoes.”
For some reason, they’ll lick just about anything — sometimes even after they are told.
“Don’t blow Dorito breath in Mamaw’s face anymore.”
Obviously, many statements are expected and said nearly on a daily basis.
“Don’t lie down while you eat.”
“Chew with your mouths closed.”
“FEET OFF THE TABLE!”
“Hang your coats up.”
“Sneeze and cough in your elbow.”
“Don’t sniff; blow your nose.”
“Say ‘excuse me’ when you burp at the table or near someone else.”
It’s all part of this job with which we as parents are tasked. I never expected it to be as encompassing as it is. Children have a lot to learn. We, as parents, must do our best to teach them.
It also makes me glad for a song played frequently on K-Love noting, “There’s no such things as perfect people. There’s no such thing as a perfect life.” Good, cause we are far from perfect here.
Many statements must be made more than once. However, my sons figure out a few things the first time they do them.
Creed learned never again to try to swallow a plastic hanger after the one and only time he attempted it.
And, luckily, I only had to tell him once not to poop in a furnace vent. I did tell him more than once that it was time to stop pooping in his diaper and even that it was not proper to empty his diaper on the floor. (Thank God for disinfecting wipes!) The vent, well it just happened once.
Through it all, I will tell them every chance I get that I love them, even if they listen to that one the first time.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
1977
I created a list of events from the year that I was born and the year that Todd was born to post with newspapers from those dates. It was easy since we were both born in the same year.
I found some facts quite interesting.
For example, on Apr. 21st the Broadway play “Annie” opened. It was the first of 2,377 performances on the big stage. It seems ironic to me since for so much of my elementary-aged years I could have been an Annie look-a-like.
Actually, I still remember my mother saying to me, “If you could sing better, we might make some money off of you.” Maybe so, but the first time I sang solo in front of a crowd — which I believe was at a church service in Pennsboro — I cried and didn’t finish my crooning.
Still, my mother made me “the Annie dress.” Some of you may remember it as being red and white. I even have that dress on in a family picture taken nearly a few decades ago.
It appears Annie was the best option for my birth year. After all, the Coneheads debuted on “Saturday Night Live” in January of that year. I guess I’d rather look like Annie.
The year saw a switch in politics from U.S. President Gerald Ford to Jimmy Carter. On Jan. 19th of that year, Ford pardoned Iva Toguri D’Aquino, better known to U.S. troops as Tokyo Rose, from her acts of treason during World War II.
It was a year of space discovery as well when Soyuz 24 launched two cosmonauts into space in February. A little over a week later, the first space shuttle, Enterprise, makes its maiden flight (carried atop a Boeing 747), over the Mojave Desert. But it wasn’t always about the world beyond our atmosphere. The USSR also performed nuclear tests in the same month.
Other activities included Alain Prieur jumping his motorcycle 65 meter over 16 buses, near Paris. Meanwhile, a Nova Scotia fisherman caught a 20.2 kg lobster — the world’s heaviest known crustacean. Dr. Allen Bussey made his name while completing 20,302 yo-yo loops; Sabra Starr finished the longest recorded belly dance (100 hours).
In the world of entertainment, Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album released. The Rolling Stones made the news in a different manner as Keith Richards was arrested in Toronto and charged with possession of heroin with intent to traffic and possession of cocaine.
Future “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno debuted with host Johnny Carson. “Eight is Enough” premieres on ABC-TV.
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court allowed lawyers to advertise. Aren’t we all grateful for that? Also, in March Bank of America adopted a new name for their credit cards: VISA. Again, aren’t we grateful?
Vietnam finally handed over MIA to the United States. But it wasn’t about peace. The U.S. restricted citizens from visiting Cuba, Vietnam, North Korea and Cambodia.
The NBC News and Information Service (which operated 24 hours) ended on radio. The first personal computer, the Apple II, went on sale. Radio Shack announced the TRS-80 computer; within weeks, thousands were ordered. Television viewer discretion warnings began.
Regarding famous folks: James Earl Ray escaped from prison, and three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s rock band died in a plane crash. To the dismay of many, Elvis Presley died at the age of 42.
I also discovered that the Plymouth Horizon was introduced in December. It was the first American-made small car with front-wheel drive. Technical advances in drive technology had reduced the size and cost of front-wheel drive systems. Some 16 years later, it would be my first car to drive.
1977: when a new house averaged $49,300; average annual income was $15,000, and a gallon of gas cost 65¢.
Wow! Now if only I knew how well Annie aged ...
I found some facts quite interesting.
For example, on Apr. 21st the Broadway play “Annie” opened. It was the first of 2,377 performances on the big stage. It seems ironic to me since for so much of my elementary-aged years I could have been an Annie look-a-like.
Actually, I still remember my mother saying to me, “If you could sing better, we might make some money off of you.” Maybe so, but the first time I sang solo in front of a crowd — which I believe was at a church service in Pennsboro — I cried and didn’t finish my crooning.
Still, my mother made me “the Annie dress.” Some of you may remember it as being red and white. I even have that dress on in a family picture taken nearly a few decades ago.
It appears Annie was the best option for my birth year. After all, the Coneheads debuted on “Saturday Night Live” in January of that year. I guess I’d rather look like Annie.
The year saw a switch in politics from U.S. President Gerald Ford to Jimmy Carter. On Jan. 19th of that year, Ford pardoned Iva Toguri D’Aquino, better known to U.S. troops as Tokyo Rose, from her acts of treason during World War II.
It was a year of space discovery as well when Soyuz 24 launched two cosmonauts into space in February. A little over a week later, the first space shuttle, Enterprise, makes its maiden flight (carried atop a Boeing 747), over the Mojave Desert. But it wasn’t always about the world beyond our atmosphere. The USSR also performed nuclear tests in the same month.
Other activities included Alain Prieur jumping his motorcycle 65 meter over 16 buses, near Paris. Meanwhile, a Nova Scotia fisherman caught a 20.2 kg lobster — the world’s heaviest known crustacean. Dr. Allen Bussey made his name while completing 20,302 yo-yo loops; Sabra Starr finished the longest recorded belly dance (100 hours).
In the world of entertainment, Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album released. The Rolling Stones made the news in a different manner as Keith Richards was arrested in Toronto and charged with possession of heroin with intent to traffic and possession of cocaine.
Future “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno debuted with host Johnny Carson. “Eight is Enough” premieres on ABC-TV.
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court allowed lawyers to advertise. Aren’t we all grateful for that? Also, in March Bank of America adopted a new name for their credit cards: VISA. Again, aren’t we grateful?
Vietnam finally handed over MIA to the United States. But it wasn’t about peace. The U.S. restricted citizens from visiting Cuba, Vietnam, North Korea and Cambodia.
The NBC News and Information Service (which operated 24 hours) ended on radio. The first personal computer, the Apple II, went on sale. Radio Shack announced the TRS-80 computer; within weeks, thousands were ordered. Television viewer discretion warnings began.
Regarding famous folks: James Earl Ray escaped from prison, and three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s rock band died in a plane crash. To the dismay of many, Elvis Presley died at the age of 42.
I also discovered that the Plymouth Horizon was introduced in December. It was the first American-made small car with front-wheel drive. Technical advances in drive technology had reduced the size and cost of front-wheel drive systems. Some 16 years later, it would be my first car to drive.
1977: when a new house averaged $49,300; average annual income was $15,000, and a gallon of gas cost 65¢.
Wow! Now if only I knew how well Annie aged ...
No Monsters Allowed
Creed looked at me two days ago and said, “I wish I was two again.”
I figured this comment was just a desire to forget about school and to spend his days playing with his former babysitting colleagues Aaron and Carigan. At worst, it was a statement made while he was angry at his brother so he was wishing for a time before Heath was born.
I asked to be sure. I found out I was wrong.
“I didn’t have so many aches and pains,” he lamented.
My six year old is already complaining about aches and pains! I had to laugh.
I reminded him of the benefits of being six. Not only can he run faster than a two year old, but he can also reach higher since he is taller. And, even better, he can go to the bathroom by himself!
He smiled. That seemed to satisfy his concerns.
This morning, as I tried to wake him to get ready for school, he told me he was getting too old cause he just can’t stretch like he used to do.
Where does he come up with this stuff? Yeah, he probably listens to us.
That’s why his knees ache from time to time, or his back hurts. You know it isn’t real when he complains that he is feeling fat. He doesn’t have an ounce of body fat!
It proves the point that they listen to us. They know our aches and pains. They know our concerns about ourselves. They know our weaknesses.
My children know my weaknesses as well as anyone. They also know my doubts and my fears. It’s a little disturbing. And it shows me that I need to “woman up.”
I don’t want to teach them a lifestyle of complaining. I’ll have to take the no monsters allowed approach.
The boys worry about monsters invading the house at night — at least that is their excuse at bedtime. Repeatedly they have been told that monsters aren’t real. But, just in case, I remind them:
Witches melt with water.
Vampires have to be invited into your home.
Werewolves only appear on full moons.
The boogie monster only picks on nose pickers.
I’m kidding about the last one, but it always makes Heath smile because he has a few issues with wandering fingers.
So out with the monsters, the complaints, and the fears.
In with the good thoughts, fun times, and cheers.
I figured this comment was just a desire to forget about school and to spend his days playing with his former babysitting colleagues Aaron and Carigan. At worst, it was a statement made while he was angry at his brother so he was wishing for a time before Heath was born.
I asked to be sure. I found out I was wrong.
“I didn’t have so many aches and pains,” he lamented.
My six year old is already complaining about aches and pains! I had to laugh.
I reminded him of the benefits of being six. Not only can he run faster than a two year old, but he can also reach higher since he is taller. And, even better, he can go to the bathroom by himself!
He smiled. That seemed to satisfy his concerns.
This morning, as I tried to wake him to get ready for school, he told me he was getting too old cause he just can’t stretch like he used to do.
Where does he come up with this stuff? Yeah, he probably listens to us.
That’s why his knees ache from time to time, or his back hurts. You know it isn’t real when he complains that he is feeling fat. He doesn’t have an ounce of body fat!
It proves the point that they listen to us. They know our aches and pains. They know our concerns about ourselves. They know our weaknesses.
My children know my weaknesses as well as anyone. They also know my doubts and my fears. It’s a little disturbing. And it shows me that I need to “woman up.”
I don’t want to teach them a lifestyle of complaining. I’ll have to take the no monsters allowed approach.
The boys worry about monsters invading the house at night — at least that is their excuse at bedtime. Repeatedly they have been told that monsters aren’t real. But, just in case, I remind them:
Witches melt with water.
Vampires have to be invited into your home.
Werewolves only appear on full moons.
The boogie monster only picks on nose pickers.
I’m kidding about the last one, but it always makes Heath smile because he has a few issues with wandering fingers.
So out with the monsters, the complaints, and the fears.
In with the good thoughts, fun times, and cheers.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
No Resolutions Here
I suppose many people who made New Year’s resolutions could be doubting their choices or even missing their goals.
That’s why I didn’t make any this year. It seems the ambitions to exercise more, be nicer, and eat healthier are rather unattainable when we set them before us as areas of obsession.
What I did find that sparked my curiosity is a list of statements one should read often so that maybe, just maybe, some of those thoughts will spew from the mouth when most needed.
The idea is to build up a child, to encourage and strengthen the little one. As I read over the list multiple times, though, I realized that age didn’t need to be a factor.
The basic premise is love, appreciation, acceptance, forgiveness, encouragement, and kindness. It is to learn the value of giving, the need to slow down, the joy of listening, and the hope of wishes. We all need to do better in these areas.
I applaud those who can spend January, February, March, and many more months on treadmills, at gyms, counting calories, and eating healthy. We should take care of our bodies. We should also seek to improve the lives of those around us.
Tell someone you love him or her. Let the person know that you will always possess that love.
Remind a friend of just how amazing he or she is. Share in the one-of-a-kind personality we each have. It isn’t just what we can do that makes us amazing, but who we are.
Know that crying is okay. It comes in moments of sadness, happiness, fear, and pride. Those of all ages can cry when angry, afraid or lonely.
Admit mistakes. Let those around you know that you can accept when you are wrong and that you will work to improve and fix the problems.
Forgive. None of us are perfect. We’ve all been hurt. Grudges only bring suffering to those who hold them.
Show pride in those who make good decisions and acknowledge that many choices are difficult to make. Especially encourage children when they make the right decision as it isn’t always easy to do. Many of us have knowingly made the wrong decisions as it seemed to be the easiest choice.
Understand that change is sometimes necessary. Allow others to have the freedom to alter choices.
Encourage kindness in others. Do something thoughtful and helpful for others as it will make you feel good inside.
Acknowledge good ideas and give credit. Show interest in how people arrived at their decisions.
Listen to others. Ask questions about them and what they have been doing and then listen to the answers. Have a conversation about someone besides yourself.
Talk about your hopes, your dreams, your wishes. Ask others about theirs. Believe that tomorrow will be brighter.
Surprise people. It can be with something very small. It can be for no occasion at all.
Stop rushing. Take time and watch as those around you begin to relax as well.
Let someone else choose the agenda for the day or even an activity to do.
And it never hurts to use manners and kind words when talking with others, to remind people that you miss them when they are gone, and to let friends and family know that you are willing to help them conquer whatever comes their way.
I wouldn’t be who I am today if so many people in my life over the years hadn’t followed these basic principles.
That’s why I didn’t make any this year. It seems the ambitions to exercise more, be nicer, and eat healthier are rather unattainable when we set them before us as areas of obsession.
What I did find that sparked my curiosity is a list of statements one should read often so that maybe, just maybe, some of those thoughts will spew from the mouth when most needed.
The idea is to build up a child, to encourage and strengthen the little one. As I read over the list multiple times, though, I realized that age didn’t need to be a factor.
The basic premise is love, appreciation, acceptance, forgiveness, encouragement, and kindness. It is to learn the value of giving, the need to slow down, the joy of listening, and the hope of wishes. We all need to do better in these areas.
I applaud those who can spend January, February, March, and many more months on treadmills, at gyms, counting calories, and eating healthy. We should take care of our bodies. We should also seek to improve the lives of those around us.
Tell someone you love him or her. Let the person know that you will always possess that love.
Remind a friend of just how amazing he or she is. Share in the one-of-a-kind personality we each have. It isn’t just what we can do that makes us amazing, but who we are.
Know that crying is okay. It comes in moments of sadness, happiness, fear, and pride. Those of all ages can cry when angry, afraid or lonely.
Admit mistakes. Let those around you know that you can accept when you are wrong and that you will work to improve and fix the problems.
Forgive. None of us are perfect. We’ve all been hurt. Grudges only bring suffering to those who hold them.
Show pride in those who make good decisions and acknowledge that many choices are difficult to make. Especially encourage children when they make the right decision as it isn’t always easy to do. Many of us have knowingly made the wrong decisions as it seemed to be the easiest choice.
Understand that change is sometimes necessary. Allow others to have the freedom to alter choices.
Encourage kindness in others. Do something thoughtful and helpful for others as it will make you feel good inside.
Acknowledge good ideas and give credit. Show interest in how people arrived at their decisions.
Listen to others. Ask questions about them and what they have been doing and then listen to the answers. Have a conversation about someone besides yourself.
Talk about your hopes, your dreams, your wishes. Ask others about theirs. Believe that tomorrow will be brighter.
Surprise people. It can be with something very small. It can be for no occasion at all.
Stop rushing. Take time and watch as those around you begin to relax as well.
Let someone else choose the agenda for the day or even an activity to do.
And it never hurts to use manners and kind words when talking with others, to remind people that you miss them when they are gone, and to let friends and family know that you are willing to help them conquer whatever comes their way.
I wouldn’t be who I am today if so many people in my life over the years hadn’t followed these basic principles.
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