My sons are embarking on their lives. They are making big decisions about sacrifice, commitment, love, and lifestyle.
I can't tell them what to do because their journey is not my journey. I want them to be safe, but I can't assure safety in any circumstance. Life's path is a mystery.
What I can do is help them to think about their choices; and encourage them to take the time to reflect deeply about who they are and what they want to be. I can also offer these questions to guide their thought:
I can't tell them what to do because their journey is not my journey. I want them to be safe, but I can't assure safety in any circumstance. Life's path is a mystery.
What I can do is help them to think about their choices; and encourage them to take the time to reflect deeply about who they are and what they want to be. I can also offer these questions to guide their thought:
- What do you consider the ideal life for you?
- If you had all the money and time in the world, what would you choose?
- What do these choices say about you as a person? What do these choices say about your beliefs, interests, and passions?
- If you could chart your path, what is the next step for you?
- What risks are you willing to take?
- What are you willing to give up for your choices?
- What is a top priority for you, something you're willing to risk failure for?
- What is your "if that fails" plan, the second choice, or the way you'll try again?
- Who can you talk to other than the family in order to seek alternative views, ideas, and advice?
- What spiritual and/or religious beliefs and actions will guide and support your journey?
When I was young, I didn't realize the power of the human spirit or dreams as much as I understand that today. My college professors and family members urged me to follow my dreams and choose well for myself. I took their advice, but I didn't have the confidence and realization that I have now related to the strength of our ability to impact our course in life and reach for what we really believe in for ourselves and others. At any age, your determination, dreams, and vision can overcome obstacles and help you to achieve much of what you desire most.
The most important aspect of life's journey is to not knowingly make decisions you will regret. In life, there will be decisions and actions you regret because you unknowingly make a bad choice, err, or come upon difficult and challenging circumstances, but if you know something is wrong and you don't believe in it, don't go there--stand up for, and act according to, what you believe to be right and good.
Life is a hilly path with its share of high points, low points, and plateaus. The key is to give it your best, think deeply, and move forward with care, contribution, and happiness.
I wish my sons well as they journey. I support their choices as long as they value and practice a life that brings care to others, contribution to their communities, and happiness for themselves and their loved ones.
What roads will they travel? This is a story that will continue to unfold.