If I do not address disrespectful behaviors while our children are young, then I enable them to disrespect myself and others. The moment we let down our guard is the moment our child will think it is okay. I have learned to not assume that behavior will end in one day. I must be consistent in my actions and words to show them actions that edifies and destroys.
Parenting is a calling, and daily, we need to be there for our children. Corrupt behaviors do not start in adulthood. Often, we deal with adult behaviors that started in childhood. No parent is exempt, and every parent has tests. These tests are to make us a better person, and therefore, a better parent. We must have and show:
compassion (children need direction and purpose grounded in principles that help instead of hurting others)
humility (every one has tests to meet and hopefully transcend)
love (discipline according to our heart and not out of unhealed emotions)
patience (parenting is a lifelong endeavor)
understanding (we are all on a journey and experience life lessons).
Of course, there are more virtues that empower and strengthen us to meet and transcend our experiences.
Make this Life great and your Legacy, too! The generations to come depend on you.
Sometimes, we may think our parents are being mean when they tell us the truth. Our mom, a single mom, knew the extent of her teaching. She did not force her life’s principles on us; she left it to us, many times, to choose the best route or solution for an issue.
I inform our children that I cannot make all of your life choices. “I can help you build your foundation and give you the resources and some tools to help you along the way.”
I let our children know that I am here for them, and I do not mind sharing my knowledge and wisdom. For the age appropriate situations, though, I encourage our children to weight their options, assess advantages and disadvantages, and be decisive.
We must help our children to assess the reasons behind their choices. By helping our children to understand their core and their state of emotions and feelings, we can help empower them to be their best. I did not write to push them….but to help them from the inside out.
If we do not help our children to see the power in choices and the possible consequences, who will?
How are you helping your children learn the power of choices?
Our circumstances do not dictate how we treat our children and others. We make a bold choice to act in love, peace, and understanding. We allow our children to see that life is a journey and lessons will be learned, we apologize quickly for our lessons learned, and help our children to see that they have a reason for being here.
Parenting is a calling & a journey to reach our highest self and help children to do the same; therefore, parenting is a win-win experience. Each day that we have breath, God entrusts us to do what is right regardless of our circumstances and how we feel.
Can you imagine the hard work that goes into making a brain, heart, organs, and tissues and embodying specific gifts and talents? God is a master storyteller. Our experiences are not in vain. You have the power to meet & transcend your life experiences.
If we are stupid, never amount to anything, a failure, and other false statements, then our Creator is stupid and without potential, as well. For, are we not made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26)?
May you know how powerful you are and stand in your power.
Make this life great—one person & one family at a time,
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans (Proverbs 16: 3).
Jesus said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of heaven belongs such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
Looking for others to appreciate you, love you, and validate you often leads to disappointment. There are some who see greatness in you; however, you do not have to go looking for these people. Be the one who sees your true essence and step into those shoes. Our happiness, joy, satisfaction, and sustainability in all areas of health comes from the power of knowing who you are.
When a loved one addressed me as “nurse,” I knew that I was more than a nurse. Yes. I am grateful for my accomplishments, discipline, and perseverance. I do not want others to see my accomplishments, I want to them to see me and my potential, which is more than my education and degrees. What we have in ourselves was not planted by schools; we can allow education to grow and refine our skills.
Do not be distracted by your age, color, education, current financial status, residence (home & neighborhood), race, religion, sexuality, and others. Become consumed with your potential.
What are your answers to the questions below?
1. Why am I here? To embrace, nourish, and display the God within.
2. Who created me? God. Even if you do not believe in God, there is a greater power than us in this world. Some things happen—thoughts that come to fruition, lives saved, bodies healed–that we cannot explain. How do we explain the ocean staying in a defined space? How the mountains stay in place? How do the trees stand so tall without someone holding them in place? How can people say what you were thinking to yourself? How many times have asked for something or said something, and it happened?
3. What gifts lie in me that need embracing & nourishment? Early on in my nursing career, I knew that I was more than a nurse working in the hospital. “Just because I can do the work, does not mean that the work is for me.
4. Are my actions in alignment with who I am at the core or in someone else’s identity? Taking the time to breathe, relax, and do the things that matter most to me bring moments of inner peace. I am unwinding the unnecessary tension that I built up in proving that I am a good person and a mother.
5. How much time do I spend getting to know myself? In the past, I spent a lot of time running around trying to get everything done, that I often lost myself in the “doing.”
6. What do I want to accomplish while I am here? My purpose. We all have purpose. No life is a mistake. You are here because someone wanted you here.
Make this Life Great! We do not know how long we are here?
I have had better days. I did not feel well yesterday. I checked my blood pressure, and it was higher than normal. I have noticed that there seems to be a poopy day right before a breakthrough day. I can blame how I felt on hormones, low vitamin D, and others. Or, I can face the truth of what I am feeling and know that my emotions and feelings are leading me to my highest self. Without all of the busy work now, I have time to weed out things that are not working, be consistent in my thoughts and behaviors, and focus on my work as a mother, wife, and spiritual being.
