Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Lessons I Learned from my Daughters

So I've spent years imparting wisdom on my kids - hopefully wisdom that they will carry and that will help them get through life a little smarter than me.  Every once in a while, when I really stop and think about it, I realize they are teaching me every day too.

In the past two week, my girls have each taught me something important - and this morning I took a few minutes to make sure they knew that they did.  I reminded them that even parents can learn from things happening around them - and I vow to remind them more often about I learn from them.  Thought I would share their lessons...

1. From Ally:  Hard work, focus and determination can get you to where you want to be

Often I find that we look around and think others have gotten where they are because they are lucky or because they caught a break.  We forget that, most times, people get places because they have set a goal, focussed on what they want, and put in the work required to get there.  It isn't about being in the right place at the right time - it's about creating the right place and right time by putting in the work.

I watched my girl set her sights on what she wanted, work her tail off to up her skills and she was rewarded with the team placement she wanted at the cheer gym.  Her focus and determination to achieve the goals she set for herself we amazing to watch.  Here is this 11-year old who has figured out that to get to where you want to be, you have to put in the effort.  Reminded me that, as adults, we don't need to have it all figured out...but we do need to know where we want to end up and have our decisions get us closer to that.  Whether it is getting more fit, wanting a promotion, being a better friend - whatever it is, if you put effort towards it you can make it happen.

2.  From Marianna: You should step outside of your comfort zone every once in a while - you may like it!

This year we were trying to find something different for Marianna to do as an extra curricular activity.  We came across an improv class that fit with our schedule and, after some convincing, she decided to give it a shot.  So my introverted, shy girl decided to get up in front of an audience and perform.  She wasn't sure she would be able to do the "thinking on your feet" part of improv, but she decided to give it a shot anyway.  And you know what?  She loved it!! She met a great group of people who supported her and she got really comfortable performing.  So much so, she has decided she wants to more things where she gets to be on a stage (singing, plays and more improv).

During this, her confidence has gone up, she has figured out "who she is" (at least for now) and she has found a passion that she can do outside of school.  All this because she decided to not to stay stuck in her comfort zone - in fact her comfort zone has grown.  It has taught me that in order to grow, we need to put ourselves out there.  We need to try new things and we need to not get bogged down in the fear of failing.  This one is a hard one for me...but if she can do it so can I!

So bottom line - let your kids teach you.  Learn from them, and let them know what you are taking away from the things they are trying.  Shows them life is all about continuous learning - and they get a kick out of realizing parents don't really know everything LOL