Our kids are going to some day be filling the shoes of leaders, politicians, teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors and parents. They’re shaping our future.
As I compare my life, spiritual growth and journey to find purpose and real meaning in my life I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can help my kids on their own journeys.
What I’ve come to learn is that there really isn’t any age that’s the exact right age to follow your dreams. Encouraging kids to follow their dreams is a good thing, and not something, in my opinion, to be laughed off or dismissed.
I distinctly remember a moment of my life that I believe had an impact on my future. I was around 14 years old and my mum was chatting in the kitchen to a friend. I’d been writing in my bedroom. I knew at that time I wanted to be an author, or a journo. When I walked out to say hello, mum’s friend asked what I’d been doing. “She’s writing a story about her life,” replied my mum. Mum’s friend laughed and out came the words, “Ha! You’re 14, what could you possibly have to write about?” And there they went. My dreams. Out the window. Until I started penning again, years later. An innocent comment, not intended to hurt, but damaging all the same.
If we want to talk examples of “passion to success” stories, take Richard Branson, or Jessica Watson. The seed of passion took them places. These are just a couple of examples, albeit well known ones. And whilst they’re considered highly successful by society’s definition, passion is what helped them get there.
I’ve come to realise that following your passions and doing what you really want not only brings you closer to achieving your dreams, but it’s soul food. I think it’s a crucial ingredient to happiness and fulfilment.
I also think it should form a new definition of success. Does it not feel like a better way forward? To raise children with the expectation that life is a gift and a journey that they can choose to make the most of? And that success is seen as doing something in life that you enjoy and it’s ok to choose a career based on what you love doing? Can we find ways to help children end up in jobs they want to do out of passion? And when the entrepreneurs of the future create jobs where passionate people need only apply, wouldn’t productivity automatically take care of itself?
I’m lucky that my children go to a school that allows them the freedom to follow their own interests. The bonus is that the students are highly engaged and develop a love of learning. The even bigger bonus is that the staff are passionate and love being there for our kids. Win win for everyone. That’s what I’d love to see more of in this world.
Our kids are going to some day be filling the shoes of leaders, politicians, teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors and parents. They’re shaping our future. I hope they shape it based on what’s going to bring the world more happiness and contentment.
Until next time,
Vanessa x
