I recently came across a fantastic quote from Hans Christian Andersen. This is the guy who wrote all the stories that start with “Once upon a time” and end with “Happily ever after.”
The stories so many of us grew up with – either from the cradle (like me) or from an indoctrinated school teacher (also me).
Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to wonder where my handsome prince has disappeared off to and to ponder just who might be saving me. Thankfully I worked out the undeniable truth – no one is coming to save me, the success of my life is on me!
Some people find this truth unpalatable. It’s too in their faces for consideration. And to those peeps I ask them, are you 100% responsible? They usually say, no, I’m responsible for 50%. I rest my case … even in a partnership it’s our choice exactly how responsible we are.
Me, I’m 100% responsible all the way. So this quote from Hans Christian Andersen really hit home. Here it is:
“Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.”
Wow!
We live our own version of a fairy tale every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week, every moon cycle, every month, every year, every decade.
And if we are no longer waiting for ‘saving’ from an outside force … a partner, a windfall, a positive diagnosis … then this is one empowering concept.
As far as I’m concerned, it starts with those little things we do every day – our habits. Maybe even our sneaky little habit of telling ourselves “I’m responsible for 50% of how things are around here.” If that’s you, how different would your life be if you were 100% responsible for your 50%? I’m betting the change would be massive.
As a parent of adolescents, this is potentially huge.
If that doesn’t have you, here are 5 more reasons why changing our own habits has a knock on effect for our adolescents:
# Role Modelling AKA Walk your Talk
Hands down the most effective way to instigate change … don’t talk about it. Do it. Struggling with an issue? Lead the way by changing your habits. It makes the follow up chats and your talk about them changing their screen time habits waaaaay more effective.
# Strengthening Family Bonds
Who says habit change has to be dull and dreary? A family that plays together stays together.
# Improving Well-being
New habits like drinking more water, getting better sleep, eating healthfully, and exercising more lend themselves to everyone getting a boost.
# Creating a Positive Home Environment
Even one small habit change that prioritises your mental wellbeing makes a difference to the way you show up. Our young people thrive in environments that are nurturing and positive.
# Better Conflict Resolution
Starting new habits together comes with a bonus – extra communication and problem solving. This naturally enough lends itself to new ways of working together and working through challenges together.
Self care is a lead domino. Being intentional can lead to a raft of changes that we can’t predict before we get started. Why not pick a place to start and be responsible for creating a positive change within you? Self care is your lead domino, how you use it is up to you.
For those of us who are wondering just where to start, take the next step. Book a strategy call to discuss creating new habits.