I recently heard a story that has literally changed the way that I, and my family, think about life. The story is as follows:
There was once a high-powered woman in her 30s who ran her own company and was massively successful in business. Yet every single day, at 10am, she visited her elderly mother, who was in an old peoples' home. When asked if she could attend meetings at that time, she would reply, "I'm sorry, I've got to visit my mother". She sometimes resented the commitment and was occasionally ridiculed, but nevertheless answered, "No, I'm sorry, I've got to visit my mother."
One day her mother died. Soon afterwards she was asked if she could make a meeting at 10am the following day. She started to reply, "No, I'm sorry, I've got to visit my mother", but of course quickly realised that this was no longer the case. Sadly, she realised that for many years she had been saying, "I've got to visit my mother" when what she
should have instead been saying was, "I get to visit my mother". She would never "get to" visit her mother again.
So how does the story relate to other situations? I have been surprised by how many times the story has seemed appropriate since I heard it, just a few weeks ago. It applies to so many different aspects of family and working life, from the large to the mundane. For example, I first told my son the story when he was complaining about some extra French classes he was having at weekends ("I can't believe I've got to go to the French tutor"). I explained that he is lucky to "get to" have the French classes: lucky that we care enough to notice he needs them, and lucky that we can afford to pay for them.
I thought of the story last night when my little girl was using every delaying tactic in the book about going to bed, and just refused to settle down. I caught myself thinking, "Oh no, I've got to go upstairs, miss the end of the television show I'm watching, and calm her down and settle her into bed" ? but quickly replaced the thought with something along the lines of "I'm lucky that I "get to" spend 5 quiet minutes with this funny, amazing little girl, even if I am tired and could do with some rest!"
And I thought of the story again just this morning when the beeper on my tumble dryer annoyed me into emptying my clean washing! I turned some very negative, lazy thinking around by reminding myself that I was lucky to have a tumble dryer, the clothes to put into it, and the family to be washing them for! It was still a chore but somehow it didn't seem such a bad one anymore.
My husband reminds himself of the story when the alarm clock goes off early in the morning and he struggles out of bed and to the train. He "gets to" go to work. Many people don't. And I think of it when I am sitting, uninspired, in front of my computer, wishing that I didn't have admin or website chores to do for Activity Village. The thought doesn't last long. I may have admin and website chores to do, but I also "get to" provide activities and inspiration to parents, teachers and children around the world every week. How lucky can I be?
Lindsay Small is the creator and editor of Activity Village.co.uk - providing the ultimate one-stop resource for parents and teachers looking to educate and entertain their kids. Visit the website at http://ww.activityvillage.co.uk or subscribe to the free newsletter at http://ww.activityvillage.co.uk
taxi o'hare Wisconsin Dells ..As thinking, acting human beings we have the ability to... Read More
Single parents are not often thought of as good parents.I... Read More
In the news, we hear and see an increasing number... Read More
Q. What is the best way to teach safety awareness... Read More
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More
I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth... Read More
As a parent is seems that the majority of your... Read More
Arabella Greatorex, owner of The Natural Nursery, reports on the... Read More
Many parental units are not "techies" and openly admit they... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Many families today are blending members from past relationships. It... Read More
You can learn a lot from children.The best part of... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings." --Jonas SalkThe... Read More
As part of the whole-language (or "balanced") reading-instruction philosophy, many... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
'I felt great until I walked into the classroom -... Read More
Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant... Read More
Coping with a child's bad behavior, perhaps more than any... Read More
Despite the theory that people have kids because they want... Read More
One of the most difficult struggles in life for a... Read More
I was changing Ford's diaper the other day when he... Read More
1. Boundaries are necessary for control and safety.All children need... Read More
Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve... Read More
bmw rental chicago Ackley ..Did you know that the school system is only able... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More
Coping with a child's bad behavior, perhaps more than any... Read More
Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child.... Read More
Dan Rather made a significant and tactical error and got... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
``Mom, can I go to the mall with my friend... Read More
The older my daughter gets the more it's sinking in... Read More
Who Can Register A Birth? The child's mother... Read More
How to Get Your Child to Love Reading was conceived... Read More
We all wish that our children should not smoke or... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
Q. Our 17-year-old son wants us to let his girlfriend... Read More
We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More
It's no joy to be sick. It's even less joy... Read More
My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More
One of the most difficult parts of being a father... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More
Have you made your usual New Year resolutions? You know... Read More
At first I thought of titling this article "The Lazy... Read More
Search for Assurance: The Power of BelongingThe job hunt is... Read More
This year alone, 1,600 teenagers aged 15 to 19 will... Read More
Parenting |