The Seeds We Plant Series #26: One of the Greatest Gifts of Parenthood
Hi there!
The great thing about choice is that we all choose our perception of experiences. In other words, Just because others perceive something a certain way doesn’t mean you have to. The seeds we plant today will reap a harvest, and within that last statement is one of the greatest gifts of parenting.
In The Seeds We Plant Series: One of the Greatest Gifts of Parenting, I share my first time realizing how powerful seeds are. Cultivating life-giving seeds is an opportunity that all parents have and is a means of breaking the generational cycle of pain. Daily, our children and we experience seeds of all kinds. Some are life-draining, while others are life-giving. Life-draining seeds come in many forms, such as negative opinions, stereotypes, and divisive actions and words. Our inner soil needs life-giving seeds, the right amount of light, fertilization (love), and water (our truths, such as our lives, have a purpose).
Transforming our pain into light can help us and our children see clearly. I encourage my children to discuss their experiences, emotions, and feelings. Talking about experiences helps me see how my children are processing their experiences. I make myself available when they bring up the past and attentively listen as they offer their take on the experience. I encourage a student of life mentality by asking them, “What did you learn about yourself and the situation?” I can help them see and remove barriers, such as negative thoughts (rocks and weeds), that can interfere with the growth of healthy thinking.
Proper fertilization can make the difference between a wilted and poorly grown fruit and a ripe and full of nutrition product. I tell my children daily that I love them, especially at night (one of the last seeds I plant in their subconscious). I praise my children often, regardless of how small the achievement may mean to them or others. Sometimes, I may go overboard:). I know that, eventually, that seed of praise will continue to grow as I water it. I look for opportunities to praise them in front of their father, relatives, and others. In addition, I make time (even when I have a pile of things to do) to spend time with them. Almost always, I receive blessings from doing so, and often, I receive another block of time to mark things off my to-do list.
I’m always encouraging my children to drink plenty of water daily. And I aim to water their fertile soil daily with truths. I tell my children that their life has meaning and purpose. They are not their experiences and can master their emotions and feelings. I often incorporate virtues such as compassion, kindness, self-control, and life lessons in teachable moments.
Every day, we cultivate seeds consciously and unconsciously. We may not always get it right, but within those moments are life lessons for future cultivation moments.
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As always, let me know your thoughts and share this podcast with others.
Thanks!
Timika
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