2nd 30 Day Writing Challenge: Day 21 - 3 Life Lessons

And now for day 21: "What three lesson do you want your children to learn from you?"

Erm... well, now here's the problem with today's challenge - I don't actually have any children. This question harkens back to a question I was asked a few millennia ago when I was an actor in NYC. I was performing in an Off-Broadway production of the rock musical, Hair. The cast was being interviewed as part of a public access talk show (yes, I had hit the 'big times'). The interviewer decided for some reason to ask me: "Would you have your children subscribe to the ideology of the hippie movement?" Why this guy decided to ask me this question still boggles my mind. I know I look a bit  like the "Earth Mother" type but that doesn't mean that I want to have children. So I had to respond honestly to the interviewer that I had no plans or interest in having children.  Probably not the best response - I have a much better answer today.

But I digress: I have lots of young adults in my life in the form of students, but I'm not sure that really qualifies me to give them "parental" advice. I'm uncertain that the advice that I give my students would be the same advice that I would impart to my child...you know, if I had one. 

Well, I'm going to do my best.  Below are the three lessons that I have picked up in my time on this Earth that I would impart to any child:

Question everything

Don't take everything that people tell you at face value, particularly if it's coming from politicians, religious leaders, or medical professionals. They're just as imperfect and fallible as everyone so be sure to ask questions and make decisions based on evidence and common sense. Be a critical thinker.

Be honest

Being dishonest with others and ourselves is sometimes easier than telling the truth. Even though it might seem like it makes life easier, ultimately all that dishonestly will come back to bite you in the arse and is often painful to the recipient of the lies once the truth comes out. Also, keeping track of the falsehoods is really difficult. Just suck it up and tell the truth. But remember to exercise tact with your honestly. It's not necessary to be cruel, but honesty really is the best policy.

Avoid being judgmental

Instead of judging someone for what they've done or how they look, try instead to understand the person. Put yourself in their shoes. Try to imagine their background. If possible, talk to them. Find out their backstory. Everyone has one. If not, try to imagine the circumstances that might have led to the person acting or looking like they do. Then, once you begin to understand, or at least think you kind of understand, try to accept. Accept that person for who they are, without trying to change them.

To sum up: be an honest, open-minded person who has a healthy dose of skepticism. In the words of Walt Whitman:

Tomorrow: Day 22 - 10 Random Songs (I've been looking forward to this one!)