I have been brainstorming thoughts and ideas for this blog
post for a while after coming across a similar post on a different site and
wanted to compose my own list of life's little lessons I want my kids to learn:
Importance of punctuality:
I always like to allow enough time to be a few minutes early when we
arrive at our destination. Being on time
is also a way to show those you are meeting that you are respectful of their
time and that they are valuable to you.
Send handwritten notes:
While a verbal thank you is polite, it is a nice gesture to follow up
with a personalized handwritten note.
Especially in this age of technology with e-mail and text messaging, it
is a nice surprise to find there is "real" mail in the mailbox.
Attend mass weekly:
While this is a tradition I grew up with, I didn't fully appreciate this
gift until I was much older. It is a
valuable lesson I hope to instill in my own kids. Not only does this regular routine provide a
sense of self-discipline it also allows for the opportunity to set aside time
on a weekly basis to escape from the busyness of life and refocus. It can be a time to recollect thoughts,
re-energize spiritually, and reflect through prayer while preparing for the
week ahead just as each new day is a true gift and a chance to begin anew. I have found that through regular mass
attendance it helps keep me centered and grounded in what really matters.
Make your bed daily:
This goes along with keeping things organized, neat, and tidy. I may not always have the cleanest house by
way of dusting and vacuuming but I like to keep everything in its proper spot
and put away by the end of the day, along with making the beds in the
morning. It is a good feeling to get
into a bed that is made at the end of the day.
Life is full of ups and downs: There will be good days and bad days. The ability to weather through life's storms
leads to enjoyment of the moments of sunshine and true happiness. You will get through the challenging times
and look back at those experiences as times of learning and discovery and realize
you can conquer the next obstacle in the same way. In fact, an issue you are dealing with one
day will seem trivial as time goes on - it is all about perspective.
Be careful not to underestimate the power of these simple
words - "I'm sorry": While
reading some tidbits of parenting advice one day, I came across the idea of
apologizing to your kids when you make a mistake. At first, this almost seemed like a foreign
concept to me - shouldn't it be the other way around with your kids apologizing
to you? I remember when I heeded this
advice and tried it myself, saying, "I'm sorry" for the times when I
would yell. It was a very humbling
experience. After all, it really does
make sense to model this kind of behavior as an adult such as apologizing after
making a mistake. Over time, Eli started
to emulate this by apologizing himself when he realized he made a mistake. It is a good habit to first of all admit a
wrongdoing which is the first step on the way towards changing a pattern of
behavior and becoming a better person.
It is also important for the person who is hurt to hear these simple
words, especially if they are said in a contrite, heartfelt way.
Buy generic or store brand products: Some people say there is a noticeable
difference between generic and brand name things, but for the most part I
haven't been able to tell a difference except for the price, so you might as
well buy the one that is more cost effective.
This is just one of many little lessons you will encounter with your
frugal mommy along the way while we are out shopping together. While I do not make much of an effort to
utilize coupons, I do like a good bargain.
I like to consider myself a savvy shopper when it comes to finding good
deals online. I will diligently compare
websites before making a final purchase.
When it comes to a shopping list, I stick to the list and only get what
is on it. I will not purchase something
simply because it is on sale if it is something I don't really need anyway.
Words can be powerful tools:
Be careful what you say, especially when you are in the heat of the
moment so you do not regret what might be said as words cannot be retracted
once spoken. Again, I have found myself
in this same situation with yelling.
After calmly giving a direction what seems like 39587498357348574 times
I just don't have any patience left by that point and resort to yelling which
blows off steam for me and really seems to be the only way to finally get some
action to be taken. Instantly regret
sets in and I vow to not yell anymore (until the next time, of course). I need to constantly remind myself we cannot
completely control situations, people around us, or even our moods but we can
take action when it comes to our attitude and how we react.
Choose your friends wisely:
At the tender young age of a preschooler all the way through the
critical age of a middle schooler and high schooler, it is imperative to choose
your friends wisely. Their influence on
you can be stronger than you realize.
Surround yourself with those who make good decisions, accept you for who
you are, only want what is best for you, and treat you with a genuine
kindness. When the time comes for you to
choose a future spouse, choose someone you would be proud to bring home to meet
your parents and someone who you want to help you raise your own kids some day
and can be a role model for them.
A sense of unconditional love and forgiveness: Treating others the way you wish to be
treated is a guideline that truly encompasses all the commandments and moral
codes into one standard to live by; this type of empathy is something we should
strive to develop throughout our lives so that when we look back and reflect on
our lives we are able to leave a positive legacy and impact on others. This type of love and forgiveness that is
unconditional - giving without expecting anything in return, forgiving over and
over again is sometimes the hardest to do but it is what we are called to do
and will ultimately provide us with a deep sense of peace knowing we are
fulfilling the goal of doing our best to become the people we are created to
be.
