What if...
What if you could write just one letter of advice to your grandkids...
I’ve been thinking about this lately. It might be because my grandkids are growing up and life is looming. Not the nurturing life of home, sisters and brothers, caring parents, food on the table, laundry folded on your bed. Not that nest of life. I’m talking about the life outside the nest.
They’ve made it through the skinned knees, the prom dates, the teacher who was a role model, and the teacher who wasn’t. They’ve passed courses, played sports, had arguments and a million hugs. They’ve had good friends and not-so-good friends. They’re good listeners, sometimes, and glued to their phones, sometimes. There’s a world out there, full of good, bad, opportunity…. all the stuff of life.
What if I could write just one letter of advice? And a short letter at that. After all, the average attention span isn’t much. (Are you still reading this?!)
It would be impossible to tell them everything that got me to where I am today. The highs, the lows, the in-between, the mistakes, the failures, the successes, the happinesses. The people, some who stayed, others who left.
And what’s the point. That was my journey. It actually still is my journey, thankfully.
So if I could just give them one thing to carry with them all the way from now to forever, it would be this.
Dear Favorite Grandchild (chuckle, there are 8),
First, I love you. Always.
Second, I’d like you to meet George Saunders. George is an author. In 2013 he gave the Syracuse University graduation speech. Graduation speakers usually talk about going forth into the world and becoming successful. And they talk about themselves and how they have been successful. George didn’t do that.
Instead, George said to those 20-somethings who were about to graduate and ‘go forth’:
What I regret most, are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded…sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.
You have been fortunate to grow up in a loving family, full of kindness. You know what kindness is. You have experienced it. You have shared it.
As an adult, you will have highs and lows. Happiness and sadness. You will get knocked about throughout life. You'll learn to be kinder because you need it and you depend upon it, for yourself and for your loved ones. Kindness is the human connection that makes life worthwhile. Kindness is powerful. Not acquiescent.
So embrace kindness. Indulge in kindness. Make kindness the fabric of your life in everything that you think and do and every interaction that you have. Your kindness will repay you a thousand times over, in your health, in your career, in your relationships, in your opportunities, in your well-being and in your world.
Keep this letter, tucked away. There may come a time when you are questioning the direction of your future. Maybe in your 20’s, or 30’s, or 40’s or beyond. Kindness is always available to you wherever you are on your path in life.
Love always,
RaRa
And if you’re not that elusive 20-something anymore, it’s ok. Kindness can still guide your steps. Every day.
Your Comments: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self, or what advice would you give to your children, grandchildren, young people today? Would you write a letter?
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I don't have children, and wouldn't presume to give someone else's children advice. But I am an observer, so here are my thoughts... Always think about the possible consequences of your actions. Some consequences are painfully hard to recover from, and can change the course of your life. Always think first. What could happen if I do such-and-such, coupled with some bad luck? What if I drive drunk and cause myself or someone else serious injury? What if I get arrested and convicted of a crime? What if I marry someone I know isn't really right for me? What if I cheat? What will happen to my life? So many, many lives have been ruined by bad decisions.