As I was out and about today searching for those final last minute items for back to school for the kids, I realized something quite ironic.
When we as parents find out we’re going to be parents, we spend enormous amounts of time contemplating on the right name for our child. We measure it along side the last name then balance it with a middle name that flows just right, and then test it out for months before finally granting the name the utmost honor by giving it to our beloved child.
The thing is, as the child ages, that most honored name becomes, in general, the name that the child learns to fear when used in its entirety! While shopping today a boy was not listening to his mother and she called him by his first name. He did not listen… not the first time, not the second… it wasn’t until she said his full – no nicknames included- name … first middle and last name, that he finally paid attention. This honored, lovingly thought of name has now become what is in essence to the child, a curse word.
I say this not with any judgment – not at all! I just find it quite ironic… which easily matches with all of the contradictions we as parents deal with on a daily basis. But it is interesting food for thought and maybe something good to remember when our little angels are in their least angelic form and causing many of us to purchase way more hair coloring (to cover the gray) than we ever thought we would… maybe if we remember how much love is behind those beautiful full names, we can find a little more inner peace and patience and help us get through whatever it was that caused the use of the full name in the first place!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
One Simple Act
January 21, 2009
Today I was talking to Lily’s teacher and told her that we really appreciate her and all she does for the kids. She brings education to life and creates a joy for learning in her students. The appeared to be one of the first compliments she had received in a long time. This is very sad because she is definitely a teacher who deserves to be complimented. But this isn’t overly surprising. It seems like we as a society are more open about insults and criticism than we are about supporting each other and showing our appreciation for each other. I guess maybe because it’s not “cool” to say express positive feelings, and maybe it takes a certain level of courage because it puts you at risk of rejection, but it is something that is desperately needed in our world today.
Therefore, for anyone reading this, I challenge you to stop and take a look around. Notice those whom you rely on and for whom you feel appreciation even if you don’t say it. Then – find the courage to tell them. Challenge yourself to give at least three sincere compliments per day, even if it’s something as simple as complimenting someone’s attire or letting them know they did a job well done. If you can’t find three things to sincerely compliment, then make sure to make an effort to smile at the cashier at the grocery store and wish them a nice day. That simple gesture could have ripple effects that you can’t even imagine (you bring a smile to that person who was in a bad mood and was going to go home and yell at his/her spouse/partner, who was then going to lose patience with their child who was trying to do their homework, who then does a terrible job on his/her homework and then feels bad about it when they turn it in the next day and questions if they are any good in that subject anyway…) I know it sounds extreme, but one simple act of kindness CAN change someone’s day and possibly someone’s life. And if it changes someone’s day and if we are all working towards this, it could ultimately change the world.
I know, very grandiose – but it’s true. If we were all just nicer to each other, the world would change. This doesn’t take money, and not even really any extra time and it’s something everyone can do. And who knows, maybe someday someone will brighten your day when you’re in a very bad mood and it will be you that benefits from someone’s simple act of kindness.
After all, it’s worth a shot isn’t it?
January 21, 2009
Today I was talking to Lily’s teacher and told her that we really appreciate her and all she does for the kids. She brings education to life and creates a joy for learning in her students. The appeared to be one of the first compliments she had received in a long time. This is very sad because she is definitely a teacher who deserves to be complimented. But this isn’t overly surprising. It seems like we as a society are more open about insults and criticism than we are about supporting each other and showing our appreciation for each other. I guess maybe because it’s not “cool” to say express positive feelings, and maybe it takes a certain level of courage because it puts you at risk of rejection, but it is something that is desperately needed in our world today.
Therefore, for anyone reading this, I challenge you to stop and take a look around. Notice those whom you rely on and for whom you feel appreciation even if you don’t say it. Then – find the courage to tell them. Challenge yourself to give at least three sincere compliments per day, even if it’s something as simple as complimenting someone’s attire or letting them know they did a job well done. If you can’t find three things to sincerely compliment, then make sure to make an effort to smile at the cashier at the grocery store and wish them a nice day. That simple gesture could have ripple effects that you can’t even imagine (you bring a smile to that person who was in a bad mood and was going to go home and yell at his/her spouse/partner, who was then going to lose patience with their child who was trying to do their homework, who then does a terrible job on his/her homework and then feels bad about it when they turn it in the next day and questions if they are any good in that subject anyway…) I know it sounds extreme, but one simple act of kindness CAN change someone’s day and possibly someone’s life. And if it changes someone’s day and if we are all working towards this, it could ultimately change the world.
I know, very grandiose – but it’s true. If we were all just nicer to each other, the world would change. This doesn’t take money, and not even really any extra time and it’s something everyone can do. And who knows, maybe someday someone will brighten your day when you’re in a very bad mood and it will be you that benefits from someone’s simple act of kindness.
After all, it’s worth a shot isn’t it?
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