As my children approach their teenage years and prepare for college, my aspirations for them have evolved. While I once focused on traditional markers of success like education and financial stability, I now prioritize meaningful experiences that can truly transform their lives.
Like many young people today, they have their own adventurous bucket lists filled with thrilling activities—visiting far-off lands, swimming with sharks, and tackling challenging hikes. However, my vision for them is centered around acts of kindness, bravery, and unforgettable moments that can be just as impactful as the adrenaline rush of skydiving.
I’ve created what I like to call a compassion experience list for my kids. This list includes both simple and profound actions I hope they will embrace throughout their lives, as these are not things you do just once:
- Stand up for someone being bullied, even if you don’t know them.
- Advocate for the elderly when they are being mistreated.
- Thank a veteran for their service and sacrifices.
- When someone struggles to pay for groceries, lend a hand by covering their bill.
- Volunteer to serve Thanksgiving meals to those in need, even if it means missing your own feast.
- Offer someone their first job opportunity.
- Provide babysitting for new parents who are feeling anxious.
- Defend the free speech rights of those with whom you disagree.
- Dedicate a vacation to volunteer work instead of leisure.
- Coach a youth sports team before having kids of your own.
- Pay off someone’s layaway for Christmas gifts.
- Lend assistance to a motorist in distress.
- Help a neighbor with their overgrown yard.
- Support a friend in leaving an abusive relationship.
- Give a break to a tired caregiver, even when you’re exhausted.
- Offer your premium seat to a soldier, a pregnant woman, or someone with disabilities.
- Allow frazzled individuals to cut in front of you in line—often.
- Always leave generous tips, especially for those working late shifts.
- Show appreciation with thoughtful gifts for those who clean your office and home.
- Regularly check in with your aging parents just to say hi.
- Sing and bring joy to residents at a nursing home.
- Never hesitate to do what’s right, even if it requires courage.
- Spend your life experiences enriching others instead of amassing wealth.
- Fulfill someone’s last wish.
Can you imagine how much better our world would be if people prioritized these meaningful acts over thrill-seeking adventures? It’s a vision worth pursuing.
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In summary, fostering compassion in our children can create a ripple effect of positive change in the world. By encouraging them to embrace acts of kindness, we can help them develop into empathetic, responsible adults who make a difference.