Words of Wisdom

A tradition that my family has embraced over the years to honor our nieces and nephews as they come into age, is to present them with a keepsake book filled with letters from family, friends, teachers, and coaches. These letters are filled with inspirational stories & quotes, pictures, and/or memories. We hope that these thirteen-year-olds can refer to this book as a source of inspiration throughout their lives (especially during their teenage years) or simply use it as a means to remind them how special they are and how much they are loved by family and friends. This year, three of my nieces and nephews turn thirteen years old, as well as my daughter. My husband and I wrote the following letter to our beloved daughter, niece, and nephews . . . . .

Words of Wisdom

from Uncle Eric and Aunt Amy

As you embrace this next phase of your life, I encourage you to live each moment to the fullest . . . for you only live each moment and phase of life once. Live each stage of life the way it was intended to be lived. As a teenager, there is no need to live the life as an adult . . . there is plenty of time for that later. Enjoy your freedom from life responsibilities and bills to discover who you are, and what type of person you will choose to be in life. I am not referring to whether you will be a teacher, engineer, artist, lawyer, etc. Rather, choose what type of person you will be based on what morals and values you will choose to live by, and by what type of role model you want to be for others. Will you choose to be compassionate and understanding, or critical and judgmental of those you meet? Will you live a life of integrity and honesty, or be self-centered and mistrusting? Too often we focus so much on what we will be when we grow up and all the stuff we want to buy in life, that we forget to focus on how we will choose to live out our lives. Life is a game. It is not whether we win or lose, but how we play the game. Just as each minute of a game is essential to the outcome, so is every moment of our lives.

Happiness is a muscle we must use, or it will wither away. Every minute of every day, you are given a choice on whether to hold on to the people or things that anger and annoy you, or forgive, move on, and be happy. Happiness is not based on circumstances … whether everything goes your way or not, or if you have the latest and greatest electronics or inventions. Happiness is what happens when you choose to be happy . . . when you surround yourself with people who you care about and who care about you . .. when you don't sweat the small stuff . . . when you are thankful for what you have instead of what you don't. How do you choose Happiness when the world appears to be against you . . . by exercising the gift of gratitude? Expressing gratitude daily for everything around you (family, friends, food, home, pets, etc.) builds the muscle of happiness. So, if life knocks you down in the pit of sorrow and sadness, you will have the strength to pull yourself out of self-pity by focusing on what God has given you, rather than what has been taken away.

Whatever you focus on is bound to expand. If you focus on the positive aspects of life, positive people and experiences will filtrate your life. However, if you ponder on the negative aspects of life . . . your life will attract just that. Life is a mirror that reflects your thoughts, actions, and words. If you ever find yourself stuck in a situation that seems hopeless . . . change your thoughts and actions towards it and you will be amazed at how your life transforms.

When our minds are aligned with God's Love and Peace, two things are true. First, we do not create as many problems in our lives. And second, we have the spiritual strength to handle them powerfully and positively, whatever situation we find ourselves in. – Marianne Williamson

A havoc mind reaps a havoc life. It is challenging in today's society to maintain a sense of peace and love when surrounded by cell phones, i-pods, and computers that are constantly bombarding us. But it is important to find a few moments each day to meditate and spend time with God in prayer or nature. A key to tapping into God's love is to practice forgiveness. Whether we are presented with big issues or little hurts if we hold on to our anger and do not forgive….we will have no room in our hearts for love.

Always be a first-rate of yourself and not a second-rate version of someone else. You are unique and beautiful! God only made one you, so be true to yourself and to who He intended you to be. Because if you choose to be someone else, then who will be you? God created you with a specific purpose in mind. By being true to your heart and soul . . . you will the full fill God's will and the world will be greatly blessed.