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There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life—happiness, freedom, and peace of mind—are always attained by giving them to someone else.
—General Peyton C. March (1864-1955)
Yesterday on MySpace, Holly wrote in a public bulletin:
54.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
As happy as I am right now.
People write and ask how they can make sure their children grow up to be respected. I say the parents can start respecting them now.
"An abundance of love, of confidence, of self and of freedom will create a flow of respect from and toward a person." (Respect)(That article has been translated into Spanish recently, and the link is there.)
Another article encouraging giving joy away is here:
"Have all the joy you want, and help your children, neighbors and relatives find some too. Joy doesn't cost anything but some reuseable thought and awareness. Tell your kids it's recyclable. They'll love that!" (Joy)
Freedom/Choices/Empowerment/Respect, a short page but powerful. Freedom and respect were touched on above. "Choices" seems to be about the main theme of unschooling. How about "empowerment"? You have to have some to give it. Empowering our children can show us how much power we really had. Power to protect them from others who would shame and limit them. Power to present them with choices, and freedom, and respect. Power to create a happy nest for them.
If anyone comes by here who's not already familiar with my unschooling site, I hope you'll poke around a bit. You don't have to have children to consider the effects of happiness, freedom, peace of mind, respect, joy and choices. Empower yourself!
Choices
Happiness as a goal
"Expecting Happiness"
Peace
Creating a peaceful nest for children
Certificate of Empowerment
Image: Holly in France, in May 2005.
The photo is by Leon or Helene McNeill.
More of that trip is here: sandradodd.com/england
2 comments:
I tagged you for a "Six Word" meme. Come see the details at my blog if you want to play! :)
After a half year of private schooling for my 7 yr old, I came here for confirmation and encouragement about unschooling from here on,
you not only did those 2 very important things but just seeing the photo of your dear Holly in the water in France was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes.
I just needed to express that.
Thank you for being you, Sandra.
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