I have children. I want so many things for them. Mostly I want them to be happy and what that means for them, I don't yet know. They're both under the age of 5. Of course I am also a daughter and what I know as an adult child is that most parents have fantasies about what their children will be and do when they grow up. Having the luxury of saying things like "My son is a doctor." or "My daughter is an accountant." is something many parents would relish. As our parents' kids however, we need to be able to step out of those dreams and follow our own path.
We are raised in a world where constant praise is craved. And who can blame us? Hearing a sincere "Good job!" warms the heart. It makes us feel loved and accepted. Growing up you always looked to a parent or other grown-up's face for approval when doing something and if the approval wasn't there it could be heartbreaking. Our job now is to acknowledge that approval from others is nice, but it should not be what guides us down our life's path. It is not something we should seek out.
The phrase "Happiness comes from within." may get tossed around a lot, but if we really think about what that means I believe we can all agree. We really need to look inside in order to discover who and what we want to become. When we listen to our own heart's desire we can start to blaze a trail that fulfills us! We can begin to live the life we were meant to! Spend some time alone and listen. What excites you? What topics could you talk about forever and ever? These are the things you should go after. This is what will show you your own heart's happiness. And really, deep down, that is all any parent wants for their child. We all want our precious babies to be happy.
We are raised in a world where constant praise is craved. And who can blame us? Hearing a sincere "Good job!" warms the heart. It makes us feel loved and accepted. Growing up you always looked to a parent or other grown-up's face for approval when doing something and if the approval wasn't there it could be heartbreaking. Our job now is to acknowledge that approval from others is nice, but it should not be what guides us down our life's path. It is not something we should seek out.
The phrase "Happiness comes from within." may get tossed around a lot, but if we really think about what that means I believe we can all agree. We really need to look inside in order to discover who and what we want to become. When we listen to our own heart's desire we can start to blaze a trail that fulfills us! We can begin to live the life we were meant to! Spend some time alone and listen. What excites you? What topics could you talk about forever and ever? These are the things you should go after. This is what will show you your own heart's happiness. And really, deep down, that is all any parent wants for their child. We all want our precious babies to be happy.
Danielle Boonstra
http://twitter.com/LiveWealth
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