We Really Do Want What Is Best For Our Children

Of course we want what is best for our children, right? How outrageous the thought of anything contrary to that belief. However, most people commonly remark to their children to "do as I say, not as I do" or "don't do what I did son, take your own path", and other phrases just like this.

We mean well and we do want the best for our children. How can we want so much for them yet present such an opposite picture at the same time? We say "you can be anything you want to be" yet we continue to do that thing we hate to do or business we despise. We say "follow your heart" while we betray our own hearts daily. We want our kids to be healthy and we want them to be happy. Are they seeing health and happiness in us? Is it obtainable from their point of view? Remember they are processing and downloading what they see and hear from us.

Most importantly are we showing our children it is okay to take risks and fail? For what is risk if there is no risk? Do they see us swinging out and taking opportunities or playing it safe? Do they see us following our dream or someone else's dream? Naturally the bills must be paid and the necessities come first, but there is a desire within each and every one of us, a passion that calls us. When we follow that passion we are more fulfilled and our lives have more meaning.

We want more meaning, passion and happiness for our children than this world exhibits to us. Sometimes they see us not having any of these things, surviving without them; and then the lesson is learned that it is just not obtainable and out of reach. Some would even say "it is for others to have these things, not us," or "life has to be hard to be good".

There is a saying that if you want something you have never had you must do something you have never done. Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. What are you saying or doing that is in direct contradiction to your desires?

Some actions to take now:

1. Start by noticing what your story is (it usually follows the "I Am" phrase) and then define what a new story would sound like.
2. Take an inventory of your feelings (which can be revealed in your words) around your daily routine.
3. What are those common sayings you heard your parents say to you that you now repeat to your children?

You can begin telling a different story whenever you are ready.