One of the greatest gifts we have as humans is the ability to choose to be kind to one another.  A smile at a stranger could be the one positive interaction that the stranger needs to turn a so-so day into a great day.  We should all try to uplift each other as we interact each day.  I have tried to teach my children to consider other’s feelings before taking an action.

 However, there comes a time when we have to draw the line and choose actions that might hurt other’s feelings.  Everyone has the right to be happy, and when a relationship becomes one where one person gives in to the other person’s wants nearly all the time, there is a problem.  Sometimes we have to put ourselves first.  And that is hard to teach to children who are expected to be considerate. 

We all have to find our own joy in life, and that joy should not be at the expense of other’s joy. 

Until next time,
Beth Stevenson

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People who know me well know that I am a single parent for the past 9 years. 

They also know that my four kids have turned out to be responsible, kind, loving, and successful.  Sometimes they wonder how I have managed to parent them to this end.

I tell them that it is because from the first moment of their birth, I expected them to become the best they could be.  And I never let up on that message, no matter what challenges of the moment we faced. 
People in general perform only to the level of what is expected of them, so if you want to see great things from someone, expect great things.  My kids knew that they were expected to be respectful, do their best in school, give back to the world, be kind, and complete college.  There were basically no alternative behaviors allowed. 

Of course there have been personal disappointments for the kids, but we managed to get through them.   I have always told them that there is nothing in the world that they could ever do that would make me stop loving them.  They know that I am there for them no matter what happens, but they also know that I expect them to perform at the very best level they can at that particular moment in time. 

I think that has made the difference.  They know that I understand that no one can perform perfectly every moment of every day, but we should all try to do our best on that task at that time.  Then, no matter what the outcome may be, we can feel good about our effort, and move on to the next task. 

We all understand we are not perfect, but we know that no matter what happens, we stick together and support each other.  Just yesterday I had a computer issue at work that I couldn’t resolve on my own.  I called my daughter in Florida and got a great piece of advice from her.  Later, I followed up with my son in St. Louis when another issue came up.  They are there for me just as I’ve always been there for them.

I couldn’t ask for more, and I am blessed.

Until next time,
Beth Stevenson