The Golden Rule

Yes, we all need a reminder here and there about the Golden Rule. In case you forgot (which I think many people out there have) it's "do unto others as you'd have done unto you".
To be blunt-BE NICE PEOPLE!
Especially if someone works pretty hard for you. Or if someone is trying to do something nice for you. Please remember they don't have to. Smile. Ask politely and accept the answer maybe you didn't want to hear. Look at it from their side. Be realistic. So don't look a gift horse in the mouth and put on your good manners as we say to the kids.
I think we all need to re-evaluate our expectations in life. There are 3 mantras we use with the kids all the time. I think it will help them get through life. The sooner they learn and accept these truths, the better off they will be.

1. LIFE ISN'T FAIR
Someone will always have something you don't yet have. Or maybe won't ever have. Don't deny them their happiness because you don't have it. You may have worked just as hard as they did. You may be smarter. Or nicer. It doesn't matter. It happens. It stinks. It's real life. Don't let it get you down. It will only poison your soul with jealousy and greed. Learn to be happy with what you DO have. Remember, there is someone out there who looks at you the same way you look at those who have what you want.

2. IT'S JUST STUFF
Really, things are just that-stuff. You may feel like the Earth will stop rotating if you don't have it, and have it right now. Tomorrow you will have forgotten about it. If not, maybe the next day. Again, you will never have everything the Jones' have. Stop trying. And half the time I wonder if it's the parents who want something for their kids (Johnny just HAS to have that fire truck-it's so cute!) not the kids who want it. Stuff isn't what's important in our lives. It's the people we love and the relationships we have that matter in life.

3. SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO MAKE CHOICES
You can't do everything. You can't have everything. Pick what's important to you and live with it. Again, it stinks. Again, it's not fair. But it's real life. Everyone doesn't always win. Happiness is one of those choices. Choose to be happy and it will be a heck of a lot easier.

Now I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to the wants versus the needs. I need to remind myself of all this too. When I start really wanting something I stop and ask myself "is it really that important?" Sometimes yes, sometimes no. And of course the girls are still working on these concepts too. But thinking about it and striving for it is a HUGE step in the right direction.
Paige is doing really really well. At Christmas she didn't get what she asked for. Not because she didn't make the nice list, but because it was expensive. She said afterwards "I really thought I'd get it, but that's OK, I got lots of other great stuff."
And she was super appreciative when she did finally get one for her birthday.
Katie is getting there.....especially when it comes to shoes! Can't blame her there.....

So next time you don't get what you want, or what you think your kids want, remember-life isn't fair. And it's just stuff. Make the choice to just be happy. Oh, and don't forget the Golden Rule.....it will come back to you someday.

Kristin