Totally somewhat off-topic blogpost but as health and wellness comprises so many different aspects, I think this is important to share.
This is for all of you parents out there.
Recently I did a weekend long personal development training. One of the things that knocked me on the head was how my parents shaped the person I am today. When you are a parent, you have absolutely zero clue how your words and actions affect your children. But they sink into the subconscious mind and never leave the child, even as an adult.
I had a wonderful upbringing to say the least. We never lived beyond our means, my mom was given cash to feed us and clothe us, no credit card. My dad, having grown up in the depression with very poor parents, took extra special care of everything he ever owned. My dad worked hard but he was always home every night to sit down to a meal with his family. My mom had a very clear role as CEO of the household. When she tried to get a job when I went to elementary school, the first day I was sick, she took me to work with her and wound up quitting the next day. They were married 56 years before my dad passed. Through thick and thin, they made it. It worked, but I know not without struggles. They were loyal to one another and their children.
My point is without really watching, our kids notice our actions, day in and day out. Chances are whatever a parent makes certain things a priority in life, your children will likely follow in your footsteps. Whatever they see as your relationship, theirs will likely follow. If a parent makes poor life choices, they may likely make similar choices. If a parent make great choices, most likely they will follow many of their behaviors. All of this is often not under their control, but within the subconscious of their mind, unless they consciously choose to be different.
No one gives you a book when it comes to parenting. You gotta figure it out on your own. It’s the hardest, but most responsible and rewarding job one can choose. It is also the most selfless (and rightly so) job one can ever own. Just remember, your kids are watching you!
As a public figure and business owner, I am even more aware of my responsibility to the community and my children to be the best person I can be. Positive, energetic, sincere, empathetic, loyal, honest, spiritual, giving and real. Most of these traits I picked up from my parents. Some of them are learned. I know in my lifetime I have made mistakes. But we learn from our failures and become stronger. We can then start to make even more of a difference in this world and show our kids how to rise above conflict. More importantly, we can mold our children into being the best version of themselves by setting an example.
I often think about what my eulogy will say. What will the legacy be that I leave behind? How do I want people to remember me? How will my kids and grandkids speak of me when I am no longer here?
I want to be known as a difference-maker. As someone who brings their best every day and constantly strives to become better. As someone who makes those around me better, happier.
There is no room for stagnancy. You get one chance at life. That’s it! And you never know when it will come to an end.
What will your legacy be? And if you don’t like what you think you will hear, how will you go about making a change? One life, that’s it!