What About the Kids?

For your consideration….

Technology has  grabbed all of our attention. This is especially true for our children. As in anything else there are pros and cons. Everything needs balance. Certainly when TV was first invented our parents had the same debates. How much is too much? Parents have to be the judge of that.

But as society as a whole becomes more “connected”, the personal interaction becomes less “connected”.  Those face to faces become less frequent. Even phone calls are being replaced by text messages and emails.

Personal interaction is necessary for our soul. Countless studies have been done with senior citizens. There is a marked difference in the mental and physical health of seniors between those who receive the touch and interface of others and those who do not.

We are being asked today to consider the message we are sending our children. Maybe your children are older and gone. Maybe you don’t have any. You still matter. You still have impact on our children. Mahatma Gandhi said:

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

All of the children are all of our futures. With technology occupying so much of their time, we need to take advantage when they are out in the world in restaurants, shopping, attending events,  and they are open to all that surrounds them. More than ever, we need to make those moments count. Be that example of respect and goodness, love and light. Let them see you looking at and smiling and thanking the waitress or sales person. Smile and shake hands with them. Get down, like Art Linkletter in the above picture, and look into their eyes when you speak to them. Let them “see” you listening. Take the time to encourage them whether you know them or not.

Every single child is important to every single one of us. Invest in them. That is the HOPE.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, hope by hope action steps anyone can take….

-Meditate for as long as you can.

-Drink lots of water.

-Journal on those inter-reflections you are having. Not having any? Then do some automatic writing.

-Take in some deep breaths outdoors.

-At the end of the day before you start the evening, take a 5 minute time out for just you.

What made me smile yesterday……

-I am an Aunt again. Congratulations Patsy and Mia.

-I slept in. I could not believe how late I slept. Must be those beautiful night sounds seductively singing me to sleep each night.

-An efficient little late afternoon trip with friend, Carol, to Milford. Success….a couple of new pieces of Boleslawiec, Polish pottery.

-I talked to my brother. I need to do that more often.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Chris