“Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever”
Keri Russell
I saw this quote yesterday and it really resonated with me. I find it amazing in life that what we do (or don’t do) can change us and the outcomes to such a large degree. It’s as if every step we take makes a difference.
I find this both extremely powerful and terrifying at the same time.
I have had a few conversations with our children this week on the impact of what we do in life or do not do. What we choose to say or not to say. It’s all a choice.
We have had a few situations in our life lately where we have had some big choices to make (as it relates to some extended family difficult conversations and negotiations that have been ongoing). We have chosen to rely on our fundamental values during these more difficult times and hope that these guides and foundations lead us in the right directions in our interactions and decisions.
The kids also in the last weeks have come up against a few situations with their friends where they have had to choose their behaviors and actions.
We have had some good conversations at our dinner tables as of late. Last night I could have sat there all night it was so interesting (never did get that bubble bath with Hubby in on Valentines!)
I guess if we have a compass in life that guides these decisions we should be on the right path. It’s important to know by which values we make decisions.
In our family I am trying to teach our children that both of our beliefs is that honesty and integrity are at the core of everything. I sincerely believe that no one can ever be too honest or have too much integrity. You can never look back if you use these two values and say “I wish I did not do that”.
My belief is that if these two things override everything else-we will always ensure that our decisions are the right ones. We cannot change others but we can always feel pride in a situation where we feel we have respected ourselves, the other person, and always ensure a sense of grace. We need to look back and feel we did good and not bad. We told the truth.
Between action and reaction-there is a space..and that pause-is a choice.
Love this quote-have no idea who said it and if I used the right phrasing-but it’s what I want to teach our children is at the basis of what we believe in as their parents.
I want our children to always know-they have a choice in whatever hand life deals them. They can never control others-but they can always control themselves.
