In my house I have a saying: Do better. Be better.
You may be wondering why that has become a saying for my home, but I tell you know lie, it is the best thing to come out of my mouth. It started when my son was young. He has never held control of his emotions. I don't know why. I honestly want him to be tested for it. Things set him off and he flies off the handle- anger, tears, laughter (at inopportune times). It is crazy. I can't express the amount of times I have just sat and thought, "What in fresh hades is this?!" So we have had many talks and for a time they would end with, "Do better. Be better." As time has gone on, that has carried over to both children for more than just emotional outbursts. Schoolwork and attitude in general. Sports. Whatever the situation is, this saying is taking over. Some people see this as a little harsh. Why must I be so mean to my kids? Yup. It's 2019. Not only is holding children accountable a terrible thing, but also expecting them to do better the next time. How dare I. We live in a society where a generation did what made them happy and now children are killing each other in schools. At least someone did something to make themselves happy. Sure, it will now lead to a far harsher punishment than a parent teaching right and wrong and giving a spanking, but they were true to themselves. I'm sorry. I'm trying not to puke all over my keyboard as I type this. Can we cut the crap out now? Why is it so wrong to expect children to do better than they have done previously? It isn't negating what has been previously done, it's continually raising the bar to greatness. This happens in sports all the time. You learn to shoot a basketball on a lowered goal or up close. Then the hoop is raised to full size and you slowly back up. Eventually, if you care enough to work on it, you can hit a shot from anywhere on the floor. It is the start of early education. First learn the letters. Then learn the sound(s) they make. Read words, sentences, books. The difference is that where most people let it be the end of expectations, I say no. But I don't do it only with my children. I only ask it of them, because I ask it of myself. True leadership is that you never ask someone to do something you aren't willing to do yourself. Everyday I have to tell myself to do better. When we do better, we can be better. Isn't that the goal of life? America is filled with people content with being stagnant. We get beaten a few times and figure there is never a way above, so we settle. What would life be like if we asked ourselves and loved ones to do better and to be better? What would society look like? I know what my house looks like when we are trying to be better people. We speak in love. We act in love. We hug and laugh. I know what our home looks like when we are actively trying to do better. We work harder. We seek help. I beg anyone that comes across this to do me a favor. Expect more. Expect more of yourselves, your spouses, your children, your grandchildren, your teachers, your friends. Don't get me wrong. Each person on that list and more will let you down. Learn forgiveness. And continue to expect. Push yourself and those around you. Make people better, but start with yourself. Do Better. Be Better.
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AuthorI have a lot to say about a lot of things. Archives
May 2023
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