There are only so many hours in the day -- and school is no different. While students celebrate this fact, as a former teacher I always wished there was more time to devote to the teaching of Life Skills. School, and in particular high school, is geared towards exams that open the door to further opportunity.
But what about the lessons that equip you for law of success in life beyond the classroom?
We all learn best through hands-on experience, but there are some lessons that are hard to learn. How can we prepare our girls for love love, failed dreams and those moments in life when they are ashamed of their own actions? While many of the rules that govern girls' lives are constantly in flux, there are some things that never change.
Some might call them values or principles, about holding on to your beliefs while the tide of popular opinion tries to drag you under. But I prefer to think of them as Life Rules: guidelines that act like a life-raft to keep me above the waterline and out of hot water! My Five Never Evers
Over the years, as I have progressed through many different experiences, there are five Life Rules that have been constant. Breaking these rules has always led to a lesson I wish I could have skipped. So, I once again don my teacher's hat and scrawl these rules across this board.
If you have your own Life Rules -- or Never Evers -- that should be added to the curriculum, please step up to the front of the class and add them to the list!
1. Never Be Ashamed of Loving Someone
Love is a powerful force and in its name will will do just about anything. When love passes, dims or is rejected, we often can feel ashamed of our feelings or our actions.
Consider the love you felt a precious thing. Wrap your memories around it and put it somewhere safe. When next you feel the flutter of another's heart, take your love from your memory shroud and hold it up to the light. You will find it buffed to a brilliant shine - and all the more desirable because of the care you took of it when others had rejected it.
2. Never Make Fun of Someone's Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is a child's gift that some of us are lucky enough to carry on into their adult lives. But passion is now often the enemy of cool. Resist the urge to sneer at someone else's ability to see the possibilities in life.
Instead, stand behind them in support -- and you might be lucky enough to start seeing things from their perspective!
3. Never Pretend that You Understand Someone When You Don't
Don't think you are flattering someone when you pretend to understand them. Curiosity, and an interest in connecting with someone's reality, is a gift and should not be squandered. We all want people to understand us. We all want people to think us interesting enough to explore. So do not be afraid to ask again and again until you are both nodding in shared understanding.
4. Never Give Up Believing Dreams Can be Reality
Dreams are not something to squander. How many people in your world have no idea of what they want in life? Think of your dreams as wishes in a well. You can leave that little coin in the back of a kitchen drawer or you can give it purpose and toss it into a place where dreams gather. In that act you commit to giving your dreams real form. Leave your dreams in a drawer and they will soon be forgotten.
5. Never Ignore the Little Voice in Your Head On Big Things
This is the little voice that can be heard, despite the chatter and the static of everyday life. On little things we sometimes ignore it. We keep the extra change from the distracted shop assistant and tell a white lie to our friend... But on the big things?
Ignore the little voice at your peril. This is the wise, old woman watching over you. She is your common sense, experience, good will and decency. Her only role in life is to guide your steps. Of all the voices telling you what to do or think or feel, she is the one to listen to.
I am a teacher, trainer, writer and management consultant with a passion for inspiring women. My sister and I run a company devoted to providing women with the tools and support to make changes in their lives. Our business is called Outfit because we believe in delivering outcomes that fit the needs of our clients.
Decorating Books
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