4 Things I Hope My Children Learn From Me

by Amelia Old
2 comments

When I was pregnant with my daughter someone asked the question ” what character trait do you hope she inherits from you?” I was stumped and had no answer for this. My mind could only think of everything I didn’t want her to inherit. After I adopted my husband’s children several years ago, this question really started weighing on me. What do I hope all three of my children learn from me? What lessons will I teach them that they will carry throughout their lives? When I’m long gone and they think of me what will be the first thing to come to mind?

“Remember what your mother taught you, it came from the most sacred place of love that exists.”

i hope my children learn from me

I began working when I was 15 years old and I’ve never stopped. Starting at the local library, later on at a pharmacy, and then an eye doctor. I had done all of this by the time I was 18.  I even was a store rep for Hallmark while still in high school. This strong work ethic has led to some incredible opportunities over the years. By the time I was in my mid-twenties I had won an American Business Award-probably one of my proudest moments.  I want my children to understand that it’s ok to have ‘play time’ but it’s SO important to be focused on the big picture. Work hard for what you want. Don’t settle. Don’t forget that no matter how hard you work, it can all be gone in a second. I will always push them to WORK HARD.

i hope my children learn from me

Once upon a time, someone told me I loved too deep. I hated hearing that. All I knew was to give my 110% and that included loving someone. What does that truly mean? “You love too deep and too much.” I think this really means I was too open and wore my heart upon my sleeve. Hearing those words actually shut me down. If this person thinks this isn’t ok then I’ll build a wall around me then my love won’t reach near as many and I’ll less likely be hurt along the way.That’s wrong! It’s OK to love BIG and to be sensitive. It’s ok to carry your heart out in the open vs locking it away never to be reached. I will always encourage them to Be Kind to those around them and LOVE BIG.

I hope my children learn from me

We have experiences through our life that brings us absolute joy or breaks us into a thousand pieces. The key is to GROW from these experiences and then USE these experiences to help others. Put back into this world what you take out. It does not matter who you are or where you live there’s always something you can offer someone else. I faced more in my first 25 years of life than many faces in their entire lifetime. I now spend as much time as I can using what I learned and do my best to help others through their journey. Whether they are helping a friend or lobbying on Capitol Hill, I will always encourage them to GIVE BACK.

With all the issues going on in the world today I hope my children will always stand up for what’s right and be a voice for those who can’t speak up. Whether they are standing up for women’s issues for those in 3rd world countries or they are holding a sign at a rally in support of a cause they feel strongly about-I hope they always wrap their arms around their community and beyond. I hope they always take a stand even when they may be afraid their beliefs aren’t widely accepted and I will always encourage them to STAND UP.

I do not know the path my children will take. While I have ideas of what they may become, we all know life can take you on twists and turns. Many times you can end up a thousand miles from where you started. There are far more lessons I hope to teach them along the way. But for now.. wherever their path may lead them I hope they always remember to

Work Hard, Love Big, Give Back, and Stand Up

Read more about my life and how I became a travel writer HERE.

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2 comments

Alisha April 21, 2016 - 11:29 am

I love you. You are amazing!

Reply
Andi April 24, 2016 - 7:03 am

Your children are so blessed to have you as their Mom! When they become Moms/Dads they will absolutely realize it. You are such an amazing person inside and out. You radiate love and kindness!!

Reply

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