Live how you love, love how you live

What did you love as a kid? Really love? What could you do all day and be surprised when it was dinner time? How did that make you feel? Do you have something like that today? As a grown-up? As a parent or grandparent? 

I could spend all day with just about any kind of animal. I really loved being around horses. I would even go out in the rain just to make sure the horses were okay. I would clean debris from drain pipes and ditches. I would take a handful of grass to every horse who wanted one. I’d be soaked, but so happy!

Being with my kids had the same quality. I could not imagine having someone else take care of them because it seemed like they changed every minute! I did start taking time for myself, though, and that was a good choice. As a parent, I wanted this love of life for them, too. I wanted so much for them to enjoy what they do everyday, even when it stinks or is difficult. That’s the kind of love that gets you through life.

Why bring this up now? I bring this up because the time to foster interests is now. As kids grow and explore more of the world and their lives, they need to know that wonder and curiosity are qualities essential to fully engaging in one’s existence. They deepen our love for the things we cherish. They can lead to new things.

Action item: Every week, have a day where you reflect on your activities during the week before. Have your kids pick one that stands out to them, and share why it comes to mind. Each person could write these in a journal, or they can be shared orally. It doesn’t need to be limited to individual activities, either; take some time to consider group activities that everyone may have enjoyed, too.

You got this!