I don’t know about you, but when I was growing up, I wasn’t asked what I love about myself.
By many adults, I was told, “You’re your own worst enemy,” “Stop being so negative, you need to think more positively.” Or they’d ask, “Why do you always have to be so hyper?” “Can’t you just sit still for once?”
If only they’d known better, huh?
My peers told me, “Stop being so annoying.” “You’re always so distracted. If you really cared, you’d pay attention.” They’d ask, “Can’t you just act normal?” “Why are you always interrupting?” “Why do you talk so much?” “Why can’t you keep up?” Or they’d say, “You’re too much to handle.”
If only they knew how much it hurt.
Day after day, teachers would say, “Brian, pay attention!” “Stop daydreaming.” “You need to stop procrastinating.” “You’re not working to your potential.”
If only they knew how smart I really was and how much I wanted to succeed.
If they had known better, maybe they would have said, “You have a unique way of seeing the world,” “You’re so creative,” “Your energy is contagious,” “Your curiosity is a strength,” “You have a lot to offer,” “Your enthusiasm is inspiring,” and “You have the ability to achieve great things.”
If I had received these positive messages growing up, imagine what it could’ve done for my confidence, empowerment, and resilience. Alas, my journey has required a lot of reparenting in my adulthood.
But I can pass along what I learn, so that others can know better and do better for themselves and their own kids. Helping the next generation do better requires it of us.