Are You Living a Life Worth Modeling for Your Children?
Originally shared August 8, 2024 in the Naked Sunday Newsletter. Adapted for the journal.
As I write this, my wife and I are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our new daughter. This moment has sparked deep reflections on what it means to become a better person.
We all have desires to improve ourselves, but often, we fall short when the motivation is solely for our own sake. It’s disheartening, but true.
However, the motivation to change for our children can be incredibly powerful…
Life isn’t just about mentoring and teaching our kids; it’s equally about modeling the behaviors and values we want them to adopt.
If we settle for a life that is less than fulfilling, never truly reaching our potential, how can our words ring true when we encourage our children to go after their dreams?
By learning to believe in yourself, by growing into the person you are capable of being, and by showing them what a healthy relationship with yourself, your body, your spouse, your family, your friends, your work, and more can look like, you provide them with a foundation and proof that it is possible.
Most people, perhaps including you, might not have had this foundation, leaving you to settle for a life filled with overwhelm, burnout, and a lack of fulfillment or true happiness.
This journey towards self-improvement and personal growth is not just about you; it’s about the legacy you leave for your children. It’s about showing them that they, too, can achieve their fullest potential and lead a life of happiness and fulfillment.
Here are three questions to ask yourself to guide this transformative journey:
Am I Pursuing My Own Dreams and Passions?
Reflect on whether you are actively following your own aspirations.
Are you setting an example of what it means to chase after your dreams with determination and resilience?
How Do I Manage Stress and Overwhelm?
Evaluate your coping mechanisms and self-care routines.
Are you demonstrating healthy ways to handle stress, or are you perpetuating cycles of burnout and overwhelm?
What Kind of Relationships Am I Nurturing?
Consider the quality of your relationships with those around you.
Are you fostering connections that are supportive, loving, and growth-oriented, both for yourself and your children?
As we welcome our daughter into the world, I am more committed than ever to becoming the best version of myself—not just for me, but for her.
I hope this inspires you to find your own reasons to become better, to grow, and to live a life that you can be proud of, both for yourself and for those who look up to you.
Related reflections
Until next time…
Love. Every. Body.
