A few months back, I wrote about things I learned from my father. My children have taught me many valuable lessons as well. Here are some I thought I’d pass along.
1. Live life for today. So many of us put our lives on hold chasing our futures. Live life today! Experience the beauty God provides through the people you meet every day. Connect with those around you. Don’t let chasing tomorrow cost you today.
2. Be open and honest. So many of us hedge or don’t express our true thoughts and desires. Tell the people you love that you love them. If there is something you don’t like or want to be honest about, be tactful but communicate your feelings.
3. Believe in the possibilities. Children have no filters. So many of us have ideas that are good and should be acted on, but we don’t because we lack confidence. Believe in yourself and your ideas. Act on them!
4. Express yourself. If you have interest in music or painting or whatever, act on it. Don’t put it off. Play piano, take a dance lesson, go for it!
5. Listen. It seems like my kids hear everything; most adults don’t hear anything. Listen to those around you. You soon realize what you’ve been missing by not listening.
6. Don’t take yourself too seriously. We are all special. We are all equal, no matter what you have or have not accomplished. Take ego out of your life and be grateful for the opportunities you have and the life God has blessed you with!
7. Stop and smell the roses. I remember one time when my family and I were in Colorado and my children, Hunter and Kailee, stopped to watch a caterpillar walk across our path. They then moved on to watching a butterfly fly by. All the while, I was buried in sending emails on my phone. I missed it all.
It drove home the point I began with: Live today like it’s your last day! You won’t regret it.
William R. “Bill” Cawley is chairman and CEO of Cawley Partners. Contact him at [email protected].
