Have you ever taken a moment to write down the most important things you would like your children to know? I think it’s important to write them down because then they last longer than we do. True, it’s even more important to live them, but writing them down is important.
When I was asked to do this, it took some serious thinking time. And, honestly, I think that what is important at one time in our lives might not be what we choose a decade or two later. But, it’s all important.
Last October, the words I put down for my children, should they want to ever read them:
“I would like all of my children to understand how beautiful you are. You love easy, you work hard for those you love, you take time to see the beauty in others and around you. You don’t waste much time judging others, but you also have sense to not be blind to users.
“Keep your integrity and good reputation. That will hold you up in tough times. Stay honest. Be honest with yourself, be honest with others. Become a person you can like and don’t worry if others like you. We are on this earth for too short a time to worry about what others think about us.
“Be kind. Kind is never a bad choice.
“When someone doesn’t agree with you, don’t take it personal. They aren’t saying they don’t like you, they just don’t agree with you on an issue. Don’t try to change their mind, but have a quiet discussion. And I have learned that people don’t need to know your opinion most of the time, nor do they probably want it. And if you’re all about giving your opinion to the world, we need to question why. Because we know everything and want the world to follow us? Or that we as a person are defined by our opinion? I hope not.
“I struggle with this and yet, I know, most everyone is smarter than me at something and I know a friendship / relationship should be based on love, kindness, understanding, and acceptance … not on opinions. So, I need to shut up, right?”
Seven effective ways to make others feel important when you’re talking to them, according to author Roy T. Bennett, include: use their name; express sincere gratitude; do more listening than talking; talk more about them than about you; be authentically interested; be sincere in your praise; and show you care.
When I read this, I agreed, but then you have to wonder what do you do when you are talking to someone and you really don’t care? I think that’s when you just be quiet.
Hard for some of to do, this being quiet. But we can teach ourselves to do it.
The summer is getting seriously under way these days. Enjoy your summer and we at Main Street Guymon wish blessings to you all.
See you on the bricks!