But what about creative expression and following dreams and passions that don’t tick the conventional box?
For some their sense of spirit and self was merely too strong and the rebel in them refused to conform. For others – well they inherited the fears of their family, community and society at large.
On some level we’ve all inherited something that wasn’t ours, and for any of those ideas that simply aren’t serving us, it’s time to return to sender.
Because for anyone who wanted more but for whatever reason was too scared to go after it, then if you want differently for your children, I truly believe you have no choice but to pivot now.
We as parents have an opportunity to break this cycle, but extreme ownership and discomfort is required. We have to get honest about who we are and what our deepest needs are to live a life of meaning and purpose.
If we want our kids to have the confidence to go out and follow their dreams and pursue what they are passionate about, then as scary as it is, we HAVE to do the same.
Because the only way they are going to learn that it’s safe to take risks, push boundaries and dream big, is if they see their most important people – their role models – paving the way for them to move forward.
How can we honestly encourage our children to be anything they want to be, if we don’t show them that we believe in ourselves?
In fact, what you’re saying is, ‘I have very little confidence in myself so I’m going to give you the advice I can’t take and expect you to be something I’m not’ – Pressure much?! Hypocritical much?!
The best way is not to tell our kids what is possible, it’s to show our kids what is possible, and like everything, that starts with us.
Let’s not pass these inherited fears on to another generation. Let’s show our kids how much they’re truly capable of by seeing the same capability first in ourselves.
Originally from Tauranga, New Zealand, Lou Marx has spent the last ten years in the media industry as a journalist, and now resides in Brisbane, Australia with her husband, Divan, and baby daughter, Bodhi, where she works in the digital media and marketing space helping brands communicate their story to the world. Lou describes motherhood as being deeply transformational and shares her experiences to date on social media. She’s also passionate about conscious and connected living, and enjoys writing pieces that awaken and enlighten readers to reflect and go more deeply within.
