Passing on our Legacy
With each year we learn. With each mistake, tragedy, and loss, we learn. And what are we doing with that knowledge? A lot of ‘grownups’ don’t realize how valuable they could be to those younger than them. OK, I know, some kids don’t want to listen. But even if they aren’t “listening” they might hear you when they need you.
The brain is an amazing tool. It stores useful information and has the capacity to pull it out right when it is needed. You know what I mean. I don’t carry a lot of phone numbers around consciously, but I notice if it occurs to me that I need to call a friend, the phone number pops up right after their name. Or is that just me… ;-}
I think a lot about this next generation coming up. What are we doing to arm them with the knowledge and resilience they will require to succeed? I wrote about this last August. I know there are good people out there working on this, but maybe this is your job, too.
Do you know what you know? Do you appreciate the value of your hard-won lessons? Is there some skill you have that you could pass on? Some tool for coping and being resilient that has worked for you? How about sharing it?
Here’s the funny part: You may not be able to share your knowledge with your kids. But the neighbor’s kids, your nieces and nephews, and your grandkids might listen. As a stepmom I often found I could give the same advice their parents might, but there was a better chance they would hear me. It might be the biological connection. I didn’t freak out if they weren’t perfect. So I didn’t have an emotional charge on my message, even when I was passionate about it.
Well – I’ve thought about this alot – especially during our big World’s Biggest Blog Party (that’s all about making a difference.) And I decided it was time to take action. I really want to make a difference in our upcoming generation. I know their parents are pedaling as fast as they can to grow successful, happy kids. And I’ve figured out a way to help.
My kids always said they wished their friends could get advice from me, too, because I don’t BS and I really have their best interests at heart. I took the plunge today and joined MySpace. I’m now blogging there as AskUrAuntyBeth. I figure I can pass on a little wisdom to the next generation. And with the National Speakers Association as my posse, I know where to go if someone asks me a question that stumps me.
So, if you know of any kids that want to be my friend on MySpace, send them my way.
Aunty Beth
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Beth Terry, CSP, is a Professional Speaker on Common Sense issues in today’s complex world. She’s been a Manager, Supervisor, Business Owner, and a Step Mom to 7 kids and “hanai” (foster) mom to many more.
© 2007 Beth Terry Seminars, Inc.
