This is going to be a little off topic for me, but nonetheless interesting for a glimpse into your own lifestyle. I think it fits into the goals of my simple little blog quite well. I'm going to veer away from the foodie aspect of simple lifestyle and into a side of life that is often controversial, yet the most important part to think about. Dealing with children. Don't worry...I'm not going to get into the natural vs. traditional discussion. I'm also not going to tout the benefits of homeschooling over sending children off to school or vice versa (I can see benefits to both, if you are curious!). I just want to reflect on the factors that might motivate or discourage a child, and how this lasts a lifetime.
Today, I spent my morning in a Youth Consortium sponsored by our local perinatal network. I went into the meeting thinking I would be learning how to talk to teens and make them more aware of their need for health care. I came away with a whole lot more. The leader of the group this morning gave us teaching tools, motivational keys, and gave us a lot of opportunity to reflect on ourselves. Why this in a discussion about teens? If you don't know your own culture, and you don't look past it to a teen culture, how can you relate to them in a meaningful way? True in all generation gaps, don't you think?
The most interesting thing I left with was a glimpse into why I am the way I am and how I got to be this way. Interestingly, as I focus in my career on motivating others, I find myself often discouraged by the lack of desire for change and low levels of passion in people. I am easily motivated. I am excited by change, and I love to learn new things and apply them to my life and my work. I just didn't understand why everyone else didn't have the same fire.
The question put forth to the large group was this: "think of an adult in your life whom you felt disrespected you and how it made you feel." Ok. For most everyone in the group, discussions were still filled with the frustrations of the past. But, as I sat there racking my brain, I couldn't come up with anything. Was my life filled with nothing but positive adventures? No. Did I ever feel disrespected? Probably. Did this shape the way I am today. Most likely. But, when I looked back on my teen years, I had a different picture from most of the adults in the room.
After sitting and listening to the discussions, I felt lucky. I can't recall any moments where my dreams were squashed. I don't remember anyone ever telling me that I wasn't good enough, or that something "just wasn't in the cards" for me. I was never told that I couldn't do something I wanted to do (aside from the usual random teenage requests). In fact, I always felt that no matter what I wanted to do, I would be supported.
Interestingly, this led me to be a very well-rounded person. I never felt I had to choose between my art classes and my honors classes at school. Even my peers were respectful of my choice to be a part of both "crowds". My teachers were all good at letting students learn in their own way, and I was thankful to be a part of a school system that included multiple languages, art, music, various physical education opportunities, and a slew of the typical classes at a variety of levels. I even took a course in interior decorating in high school, and my phys ed requirement was satisfied with a non-typical aerobics class.
Yet, nearly everyone else in the room this morning had a different story. Each person that spoke had a story about an adult in their life who had, at one time, told them they were not good at something. Many of these adults were deeply scarred. Some grew to hate the thing they were told not to do. Others were resentful of someone else taking their dreams away. Still others find that they are not able to try new things as easily today.
You can ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I am a woman of many hobbies. I like to dabble in this and that and really find what I like to do. I love to garden, I like to cook, and you will rarely find me without a book to read. I am passionate about the production and use of local foods. I have knowledge, skill, and motivation to help the pregnant woman and her family. I knit, I sew, and I scrapbook. I am not afraid to join a new group or connect with others that have common interests. As a result, I have many passions. I have lots of goals and dreams, and I never feel held back from my dreams. I was always told to reach for the stars, and there was always another galaxy out there if I wanted to try something new.
Why am I including this in a blog about simple life? Simple. I want my children, my husband, and my friends and family to feel the same way I do. No one should tell you not to go for your goals and dreams. Everyone should have passion for life. Work toward a common goal with those people you connect with. Be the person who gives someone else a boost. Help pick someone up who has taken a fall and help them find another way to climb to the top. Most important: don't ever squash someone else's dreams. Watch over your children and let them discover for themselves who they are and then help them find ways to make and reach their goals.
My parents supported me when I wanted to be an artist just as much as they supported me when I wanted to be a nurse (and all the other dreams in between). I was never told "you can't do that" or that I should focus my energy on something else in my life. It was always "if you really want it, you can find a way."
Take a look back at your own life first. Can you list 3 things you are passionate about? Can you name 3 topics you have knowledge in? What are 3 skills that you have? Do you have at least 3 distinct groups or connections in your life? If you can't complete this, then it's time to start with yourself first. Then, think about how the other people around you might stand to gain for your motivating them with the answers they might have. Truly, someone who is living their passion, using the knowledge they have with the skills they obtain and utilizing the connections they have is living a simple (and happy!) life.
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