The below is advice not necessarily that I wish I could have taken or acted upon when younger, as I did the best I could daily under those circumstances, and could not have changed a thing.
So, the suggestions below would be one day given to our children for them to consider, if not already talked about to our oldest son for a few of those items. Of course explanation using real life examples and logic is often needed to make things clearer, and we may have to help them build certain skills, but in the end they will do as they can, need or desire.
One day they will make all their own decisions in life, and then we will need to back further away, and to be mainly there as a friend to support, or give advice if asked. So, if they cannot follow our advice due to condition, or do not want to follow any of the below suggestions, we will love them the same. At least we will have tried to point them in a direction that was meant to try to help.
So the advice, if possible to achieve, but realizing each may have their own rules, desires and unique needs that makes them more content or happier, would be:
Take responsibility for your own actions.
Live within your means.
Treat others nicely and with fairness, like you may want to be treated yourself.
Being yourself means it's ok to grow or change, when times and situations warrant that.
Stand up for what you believe in.
Do not let others and events define you or determine your fate, happiness or future.
When any obstacle occurs, find another path if need be. Few things in life always goes as planned.
Understand what you see and hear is not necessarily the truth. It's ok to question things, and to want to look beneath the surface. Although many people have good intentions and believe in honesty, many others do not.
Focus often on your efforts, more so than the results.
See learning as fun: Try to learn something new in almost everything you do.
There are exceptions to the rules: Rules are sometimes meant to be broken, if special circumstances warrant that.
Focus often on quality and not quantity in life. More does not often mean better.
Try to enjoy each and every day: Find something good to focus on daily, to carry you through any tougher times.
Giving can have just as many rewards as receiving, if one has the right attitude or selfless personality in life.
Love yourself, then more others may love you.
Take things step by step. Life is not a race.
Although actions often speak louder than words, a few "sincerely meant" words like thank you, I'm sorry, please, and I love you often speak louder than that.
So, the suggestions below would be one day given to our children for them to consider, if not already talked about to our oldest son for a few of those items. Of course explanation using real life examples and logic is often needed to make things clearer, and we may have to help them build certain skills, but in the end they will do as they can, need or desire.
One day they will make all their own decisions in life, and then we will need to back further away, and to be mainly there as a friend to support, or give advice if asked. So, if they cannot follow our advice due to condition, or do not want to follow any of the below suggestions, we will love them the same. At least we will have tried to point them in a direction that was meant to try to help.
So the advice, if possible to achieve, but realizing each may have their own rules, desires and unique needs that makes them more content or happier, would be:
Take responsibility for your own actions.
Live within your means.
Treat others nicely and with fairness, like you may want to be treated yourself.
Being yourself means it's ok to grow or change, when times and situations warrant that.
Stand up for what you believe in.
Do not let others and events define you or determine your fate, happiness or future.
When any obstacle occurs, find another path if need be. Few things in life always goes as planned.
Understand what you see and hear is not necessarily the truth. It's ok to question things, and to want to look beneath the surface. Although many people have good intentions and believe in honesty, many others do not.
Focus often on your efforts, more so than the results.
See learning as fun: Try to learn something new in almost everything you do.
There are exceptions to the rules: Rules are sometimes meant to be broken, if special circumstances warrant that.
Focus often on quality and not quantity in life. More does not often mean better.
Try to enjoy each and every day: Find something good to focus on daily, to carry you through any tougher times.
Giving can have just as many rewards as receiving, if one has the right attitude or selfless personality in life.
Love yourself, then more others may love you.
Take things step by step. Life is not a race.
Although actions often speak louder than words, a few "sincerely meant" words like thank you, I'm sorry, please, and I love you often speak louder than that.
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