Those nearest and dearest to me have shared the below words of wisdom. *Steps up onto high horse, clears throat, and addresses the crowd*
- “It’s okay that it didn’t work. Sometimes you just have to wait and something better will come along.”
- “It’s okay to make mistakes. God knows everything, so we don’t have to.”
- “You don’t have to like everybody, but you do need to be kind.”
- “When you get dressed, wear what makes you happy. It doesn’t have to match. And if it’s 3 necklaces, that’s fine!”
- “When you’re making new friends, ask them about themselves. Find something in common.”
- “I’m glad you don’t have your windows down. You were not talking very nice to that car. I’m glad they couldn’t hear you.”
If you haven’t guessed, these are all words of wisdom from my 4- and 6-year-olds. Like all parents, I obviously think mine are wise beyond their years. Just kidding, they are repeating my words back to me. Except for the car thing. I haven’t let my 6-year-old drive yet.
My words matter.
There are so many days I feel insignificant. I’m surrounded by toys, piles of books and endless clutter. My house sometimes smells funny and something is always sticky. (Why is something always sticky?) No one listens to me. I spend all day breaking up fights.
But then I get hit by my own words. I am not affecting masses of people. I am directly responsible for my kids. While I won’t claim that they are perfect, they are learning. I am teaching them the life skills that I value.
If you are like me, you feel overwhelmed with how heavy the world feels. You can’t find the energy to fight for a change or argue with strangers on the internet.
You still can make a difference. Talk to your kids. Share your important truths with them. They might not understand everything, but they have a better view of the world than I ever will.
They have hope, energy and imagination.
Changing the world starts with shaping these beautiful young minds that have been entrusted to you. Seeing the world through my kids is my very favorite version, complete with all the glitter and mismatched patterns and colors.
