10 years ago, I wrote a blog post (on my ChooseTheLifeYouWant blog) titled To My Kids…
I recently looked at it again and decided to share it with you today. Let me know what you think.
Be the person you’re supposed to be.
And here’s the thing about that… you have to decide who that person is.
Not just decide – but choose. Actively choose. Each and every day you have to choose to be the person you want to be.
Because if you don’t choose, the world will choose for you.
But this isn’t about the world. It’s about you. It’s your life. You only get one and it’s happening right now, so choose the life you want.
And when you’re deciding what it is that you want, realize that you don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to over-think everything. Just listen to your heart and let it guide you.
This next part may sound strange… but don’t listen to others when it comes to choosing the life you want.
Don’t listen to your friends when it comes to choosing the life you want. Friends come and go. It’s sad but it’s true. A true friend will support you and love you and understand, no matter what choices you make. If you ever make a choice that they don’t agree with, they’ll understand that it was YOUR choice to make. If they don’t understand that – then it’s time for you to let go of that friendship because you’ve grown in different directions.
Don’t listen to adults when it comes to choosing the life you want. We’re making things up as we go along and if you look around at the planet, you’ll see that we’re not doing a great job. Many adults will try to tell you what sort of life you want. They want you to buy their products or work in their companies and if you truly want to do those things, then go for it. But don’t make those choices based on what “they” say. It’s not their life – it’s yours.
And don’t listen to me when it comes to choosing the life you want. I’m your dad and I love you more deeply than anything. I only want the best for you. But I can’t say what’s right for your life. That’s for you to decide. And we all know I won’t be around forever. If you make your life choices based on my suggestions and guidance in an attempt to please me, where will that leave you when I’m gone? I may not agree with all of the choices you’ll make, but I know that they are your choices to make because it’s your life. I love you and I support you.
Speaking of not being around forever… You don’t have any guaranteed time on this earth either. So don’t - do not - waste a single moment on regret or fear. Accept that you’ll make mistakes – you’re only human. But promise me promise yourself that you won’t let those mistakes stop you. They’re only there to show you the life you don’t want and help guide you to the life you do want. Get in touch with your heart. Listen to it carefully – it will guide you well. Then make your choices and act!
Dare!
Dream!
LIVE!
And always remember… je t’aime!
By the way…
10 years seems like a long time, but it screams by so fast! This is how big they were when I wrote that:
At least my hair is still the same!
Wow it sure is amazing how fast the time goes
Good looking kids and I remember that post from 10 years ago.
Beautiful!