Today felt like just another ordinary day, didn’t it? The kind of day that slips by without a hint of drama, excitement, or groundbreaking achievements. Yet, isn’t it fascinating how these seemingly mundane days actually form the backbone of our lives? While we often chase after monumental moments, it’s the quiet, unremarkable days that linger in our memories. As John Lennon wisely observed, “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” In reality, life unfolds in those ordinary moments we often overlook.
Despite this truth, everywhere we look—from advertisements to social media—messages of the extraordinary bombard us. It’s easy to feel like we’re falling short, as if our lives don’t measure up. We tell our kids they can be anything they desire. We urge them to reach for the stars and remind them of their inherent goodness and bravery. But in our fervor to inspire them to be bold and daring, are we neglecting to teach them the beauty of the ordinary? Are we prioritizing grand achievements over a life filled with simple acts of kindness?
Kids seem naturally inclined to appreciate the little joys of life. My youngest, Leo, beams when someone admires the healthy snacks he chose at the grocery store. He gets immense satisfaction from making his brother chuckle or feel better. Children, it appears, are focused on love, kindness, and doing the right thing.
Recently, my son, Max, confided in my partner about his struggles with a classmate. We discussed how sometimes kids just need a friend to ease their worries. We encouraged him to be extra kind to the boy the next day—just to see what might happen. When I stood on the playground after school, Max dashed over, excitement radiating from him. “Guess what?! I was really nice to Jacob, and he was nice back!” This was monumental to him, a moment of genuine triumph. In all the time I’ve waited for him after school, he has never rushed to share news about a good test score or a sports win. But this moment of kindness was pure magic.
While kids may dream of grand adventures, I believe they truly need reassurance that the quieter dreams—like being a good friend, working hard, and loving deeply—are equally valuable. As a child, I envisioned being a loving mom and creating a joyful family. Sure, I had a few big aspirations, like traveling and owning horses, but my heart was mostly set on nurturing relationships and enjoying simple pleasures, like coloring with my kids or baking cookies with my partner.
Yet, even as I live these dreams, there are days when I feel inadequate, as if I should be achieving more. I often hear that nagging voice suggesting I’m not doing enough, that I’ve dropped the ball somewhere in my busy life. I know I’m not alone in this. Many good parents, kind people, and dedicated friends feel the same pressure to meet lofty expectations, leaving them feeling like they’re not enough.
Finding Balance
So, how do we inspire our children’s big dreams while also nurturing their appreciation for the quieter moments? How can we help them reach for the stars while teaching them that their everyday experiences are more than sufficient? It begins with us learning to value our own quiet victories. We need to celebrate our efforts, no matter the outcome, and prioritize what truly matters—friendship, family, and community.
William Martin’s poem begins with the reminder not to push our children to strive for extraordinary lives, instead advising us to “make the ordinary come alive for them.” This wisdom resonates deeply with me. I’ve experienced disappointment when chasing prestige, but the moments filled with kindness and courage have always produced extraordinary results.
As parents, we wish for our children to have big dreams, but we also want them to find contentment in the present. I want them to become good friends and partners, to understand the power of compassion, and to appreciate the beauty in stillness and connection. Most importantly, I want their final thought each night to be, “Today was special. I loved and was loved. Today, I truly lived.”
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In summary, we should encourage our children to dream big while ensuring they also cherish the small, everyday moments that truly enrich their lives.