"Try to progress - that's a big part of progress."

Do you ever feel like giving up on something because it seems too hard?  Maybe you are in school and you are having trouble learning something.  Maybe there is a project at work that is intimidating you.  Maybe there is a hobby you are curious about but think you can't do it. Many times we decide something is over for us when we haven't even given it our best effort yet.

When I was a kid an older cousin once said to me "Gail, all you ever have to do is TRY."  It was such simple advice but it has echoed in my ears through my whole life in powerful ways.  Now I pass this wisdom on to you...

The next time you feel like you just can't move forward with something, remember the phrase:   "Try to progress - that's a big part of progress." The important word is the word TRY.  You will be amazed at what you will accomplish when you give something a real effort and not a half hearted one we sometimes give when we have already decided it's too hard. Think about your life. Is there something you really need to TRY?

"Be Able To Be Alone"

Are you one of those people who feels you need to constantly be around others to feel OK?  Some people really are happiest when in the company of others.  These are people who tend to really enjoy being social at best and can feel a little needy to others and to themselves at worst.  So being really social is a good thing, right?  Well, sure it is...as long as a person can enjoy themselves in any situation.

Some people say to me "I don't like to be alone."  My response to them is that there is a difference between being "alone" and being with YOU.  Are you good company to yourself? Are you comfortable shopping with yourself?  Eating with yourself?  Going to a movie with yourself (you are bound to agree on the one you choose)?  Traveling with yourself?  If your answer is no, ask yourself why that might be.  The answer might give you some insight into how you are feeling about who you are.

"Encourage self-sufficiency"

Parenting is a challenge. Many times I work with parents who are having a hard time with their children.  Sometimes they feel guilty for not doing more or if their children are angry with them for not giving them enough.  These feelings can keep going once the children are adults too! 

No child should ever be abused or neglected.  That is for sure!  However, the purpose of parenting is to help a child become an adult who is able to function on their own.  This is why birds are kicked out of the nest at some point. 

Is it painful for parents to see their adult children struggle?  Always.  However, if we follow the adage of "encourage self- sufficiency" we can see that sometimes children need to learn from their own mistakes. What parents can do is be there for their children EMOTIONALLY as they struggle.  Saving a grown child every time from their own bad judgement can actually do more damage than good. Encourage self-sufficiency and you will be the best parent anyone could have.