OK kids this one is for you. I’m writing it now because when you’re 17 21 or so and decide you want to obey me on this first one I’m likely to freak out and change my mind and be all motherish on you. But hopefully deep down I’ll remember that once I encouraged it and that it is a good idea.
Love you lot. Hope I have learned something to teach you
Travel: Make an effort to travel. It is good for you. Like vegetables but better. It will make your world bigger. You will learn that not everyone lives the kind of life you do, and you’ll be grateful. You’ll see that there are people better and worse off than you. That people everywhere are both the same and different. And discovering them is wonderful. And it’s fun and fills you with adventure. Be warned that once you have traveled a bit you will never be the same again. You will be more curious, always longing for adventure and will find small mindedness infuriating. If you can’t travel for some reason, then until you can, read.
Read: Read lots and lots of books. Read fiction and non-fiction, a wide variety of books. Old books, new books, classics, stories, history, and about people from all walks of life and cultures different to your own. The mind-expanding power of good literature is almost limitless. You can learn anything if you can read. Also, reading gives you language. It gives you new ideas, new thoughts, and new ways to communicate. A good book can be like an old friend, and a fresh story like a new one. And sometimes when people aren’t around, a book is a good place to find what you’re looking for. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. I have a whole list of books I hope you’ll all read one day. In fact they are required reading if you want to graduate this school of life we are living together, before you go off on your own.
Write: It is good to write things down. Write down your ideas, thoughts, dreams. Write down the good, the bad and the mundane. Start a journal and write your stories. Be ruthlessly honest. (Just don’t leave it lying around!) It will serve to remind you of who you are, what is important to you and where you want to go. Also, write for posterity. One day when you are long gone, one of your descendants might read and be inspired to read of your life. They will learn from your life lessons. They will know how you achieved your greatness whatever it may be.
:)
Hi SB, I’m sure you wrote a post quite like this once didn’t you?
I love this post Erin – so true!!
Thanks C. I’ve been writing a lot lately and so enjoying it.
My daughter writes lots of journals, and I’m so glad she does; they will be a snapshot of her childhood! (from SITS)
Thanks for the visit Lynn.
Great lessons for your children! And so true — travelling does change you and only makes you want more; reading also takes you places and a variety is important, and writing is such a great way to share and process what you’ve learned. Terrific!
Happpy SITS Saturday! Off to check your list of books. :)
Thanks for the visit
This is so good! I agree on everything. My mom believed on the first one the most: she scrimped on everything, but made sure that we would go out of the country at least once a year, to know more about other people and cultures.
And of course, nothing beats the power of the written word. It gives people a sense of hope and direction. In times of confusion, it gives people a way to better understand their situation.
Stopping by from SITS :)
Wow, lucky you, what a great mother. Thanks for the comment.
Reading while on a lazy vacation. That is the good life.
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for the comment.
Wow I wish I could’ve given my kids this advice at a young age…. definitely advice I’m sure you’re children will cherish one day