December 18, 2006

What We Wish Someone Had Taught Us

What do you know about life? What do you know about love? What do you know about raising or educating children?

In a recent parenting group, participants took a few moments to silently reflect upon those very same questions, listening within to the knowing that emerged. Following that exploration, parents then reflected upon their own childhood and what they wish someone had taught them. They also explored qualities they would give to their children as a gift if they could. Below are their responses. May these offerings center our attention around some of the things that bring meaning and value into our lives, deepening our awareness of how we can support and encourage the wholesome development of children.

We wish someone had taught us

  • The importance of showing up reliably, doing your best
  • To take advantage of great opportunities
  • How to turn a traumatic experience into something to grow from
  • How to trust your own instincts (not override them)
  • Making mistakes is important
  • That I’m good enough. Self-esteem. Self-love
  • You don’t have to change the world to be successful or happy
  • Communicate what you feel and not what you think someone wants to hear
  • Appreciate the wisdom of your parents and elders
  • Appreciate the present moment rather than focusing on the future or the past
  • Everything always works out
  • The power of saving money and compound interest
  • There’s value in being patient rather than rushing through things
  • Enjoy your present company and the relationships you have
  • It’s okay to be sensitive
  • Empathic capabilities
  • How to handle conflict
  • Not to be fearful. To try
  • To trust internal wisdom
  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Confidence
  • Include yourself on your list of people you love
  • A grateful heart
  • Courage to go for your dreams
  • Courage to accept when you don’t achieve your dreams
  • Follow your bliss and enjoy life
  • There are no stupid questions
  • Trust your instincts


And more wishes here.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Good evening

Ran across your blog for the first time this evening. Good stuff.

This is a good list. Seems I picked up most of these ideals after I hit my late 20s.

I wish I had been shown how to "break the ice" or be able to make small talk. Seems I still want to have a formal introduction before I speak with someone.

ashley said...

That's a great one to add to the list. Thanks, David.

analytical_mind said...

I find the blog really interesting. One thing that I think is very important is to learn to choose. It combines many of the lists points. The ability to make choises ,without going over and over again all aspects in order to find the perfect( which is not existent most times), is an ability that I believe parents can help children acquire and is very important for life.