My youngest child is two. We’ve been working on teaching him life lessons like saying please and thank you. In teaching him these values, I feel like we, as adults, need to be reminded of them too. Lately, I can’t read the news anymore without feeling upset about the way people treat each other. The same goes for social media. I know I’m not perfect either. So, here are five reminders that are good for everyone.
Be Kind
Y’all. This! Be kind to everyone. When did people get so mean? There’s no need to be rude. All of the rules apply. If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say it at all. On this same note, if you don’t agree with someone, then just agree to disagree and walk away. We all have our own journey. Also, reach out to your friends. Check on them and make sure everything is going well.
Courtesy and Respect
Please and thank you go a long way. Seriously. Respect other people. Period. Adults bully too. We need to stop. No, really. PLEASE STOP. Be polite to each other. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Just be respectful about it. If you don’t like what someone says on Facebook and really can’t deal with it, just scroll on. Or, unfollow them if you must. Also, listen when people talk. If you are at lunch with someone, put the phone down. Be present. Enjoy your company.
Gratitude
Be grateful. There is ALWAYS something to be grateful for each day. We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow. Remember, there are people who are happy with less than what you have. Show gratitude to others. Pay it forward. We go around the dinner table and tell each other the best and worst things about that particular day. We don’t always have to have a worst, but we do always have to have a best.
Responsibility
Take responsibility for your actions. If you say something, then own up to it – good or bad. Don’t blame others for something you are responsible for. Apologize when you do something wrong. Keep your appointments. Don’t agree to commitments if you have no intention of following through. Always be truthful.
Love
As Elsa reminds us in Frozen, love will thaw a frozen heart. Choose love instead of hate. Don’t hate. Hate won’t win. Also, don’t judge other people. Love everyone for who they are. If you can’t, then at least go back to the top of this list and be kind.
I want my children to grow up in a world that is good. So, I will continue to teach and remind them (and myself) of these valuable lessons. I hope you do too.
