Tomorrow my family and I leave for our summer vacation, and I couldn’t be more excited to spend time away with them. For me, the ideal vacation includes relaxation, lots of reading, and exploring new places together.
This year feels especially meaningful. My oldest daughter just turned 20 on the 4th of July, and with every birthday, I’m reminded of how quickly time passes. My second oldest is about to begin her senior year of high school, and she’s already talking about going out of state for college. Knowing that our time together as a family is limited makes me cherish these moments even more.
As I think about where we are in life, I can’t help but reflect on the lessons I hope to impart to my kids as they step into adulthood. When my husband and I first talked about starting a family, we had no idea what was ahead of us. I do remember hoping my kids would be easier on me than I had been on my own parents as a teenager! And if you’ve been reading my letters for a while, you probably remember me sharing some of the struggles we went through with my oldest during her high school years. Let’s just say she gave me a taste of my own medicine. Thankfully, those challenges are behind us, and today she’s on such an amazing path.
At the end of the day, our kids will make their own choices and find their own way in life. But my hope is that these guiding principles will always stay with them:
My Rules to Live By
- God first. In all things, seek God and put your faith and trust in Him.
- Work hard. Always do your best, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Always be kind. You never know what someone else is going through, but kindness can make all the difference.
- Be aware of what you share online. Once it’s out there, it’s forever. A teacher once told me, “Never put something in writing you wouldn’t want published in the newspaper.” My kids may not know what a newspaper is, but that truth still holds today.
- Forgiveness is for you, not the other person. Holding on to bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
- Do the hard stuff first.
- Take care of yourself physically. Stay active, work out, and eat right.
- Do the right thing when no one is watching.
- Have integrity. Do what you say you’re going to do.
- Be smart with money. Save, invest early, and never spend more than you make. Good habits now will serve you for a lifetime.
- Attitude is everything.
- Your feelings will lie to you. They’re indicators, not dictators.
- Gratitude changes your perspective. There is always something to be thankful for.
- Honesty is the best policy.
- Do it scared. Don’t let fear hold you back.
These aren’t just words on a list, they’re truths I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) and ones I pray will help guide my children as they carve out their own paths.
Now I’d love to hear from you! What are your rules to live by? Would you add or change anything on my list?
P.S. I would be honored if you would think of me for all your real estate needs.