Walking the Walk

"Children need models rather than critics." Joseph Joubert

Little kids are like sponges. I know a particular woman who swears like a sailor, but now that she's a mother she has decided to watch her language. That is a hard habit to break. But how hypocritical to tell your child not to say a "bad word" when he hears it coming out of your mouth. Kids have a strong sense of what is fair and what is not, and it's hard to fool a child because they can see right through you.

Being a parent is an amazing growing experience, because if it's done correctly, your child will help you find your higher self. All of a sudden here's this little person who looks to you for everything, and what you say and what you do and how you interpret the world will influence him greatly.

It's easy to tell the child what to do or what not to do. Quite a bit more difficult to be the kind of person he can look up to. But that's what he really needs.

Susan

Bridges Burned

"Never cut what you can untie." Joseph Joubert

I know a man who has burned pretty much every bridge he has crossed. He has an odd way of finding fault with folks, becoming offended at perceived slights, then finally concluding the other person has intentionally wronged him. Then he cuts the offender out of his life. Forever. He is an expert at holding grudges, and there are no second chances with him.

You might be tempted to give that annoying co-worker a piece of your mind today, but what if she becomes your supervisor tomorrow? Develop a reputation of being hard to get along with and that can follow you around throughout your career. We live in a small world filled with people who have long memories, and when they think of you, let it be something good that comes to mind.

As we sail through personal or romantic relationships, of course they won't all be static. But isn't it best for all concerned if we leave the least amount of damage in our wake?

We should be careful about burning a bridge. We might need it to still be standing if one day we have to cross back over it again.

Susan