Life Lessons

When the pandemic hit and we were all sheltering in, your time is spent reading, binge watching shows on Netflix, playing games and/or staring off into space. In the reading department I did a lot (and beat my daughter at many hands of Gin Rummy). Over the past two and half years, I have read at least three book that are about “life lessons.”

In my opinion these books any or all should be read by everyone, as easly as 14. Why? Simply put, they provide life lessons in a succinct and easy to ready manner. They also remind of the importance of everyday tasks, not taking anything for granted (aka being grateful) and that the fun is in the journey.

The three books are:

1.    Make Your Bed by Retired Admiral William H. McRaven

“You search for something that van give you solace, that can motivate you to begin your day, that can be a sense of pride in an oftentimes ugly world…If you want to change your life and maybe the world— start off by making your bed.” (pg.9)

2.   Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout by Rick Rigsby, Ph.D.

“Think for a moment about this question: How would being kind transform the quality of your life? At the very least, simple acts of kindness have the potential to produce some radical results such as:

·      A joyful attitude

·      A positive outlook

·      A peaceful mind

·      A pleasant disposition

·      A kind word

·      A helping  hand” (pg. 25)

3.   The Measure of our Success by Marion Wright Adelman

“Lesson 17: Choose your friends carefully… You were born G-d’s original. Try not to be come someone’s copy. Dr. Benjamin Myers used to tell Morehouse and Spelman College students not to give into peer pressure saying, ‘Nobody is wise enough, nobody is good enough, and nobody cares enough for you to turn over to them your future and your destiny.’” (pg.64-65)

If you want your teenager to read them, here are some ideas to make this happen:

·      Create a family book club where all read the book and discuss it

·      Read aloud a chapter a night and discuss it

·      Use the book as a prompt to discuss what you and your child’s values are.

·      Talk to your child about family and the life lessons your learned from your parents, grandparents. etc.

The lessons in these books, some different, some overlapping and some the same are important for all to know so that we can lead our lives to the fullest. And yes, I make my bed every day.