Friday, May 25, 2012

Becoming the Best-Version-of-Yourself

"Well, Max, if a fish is good at being a fish, and a bird is good at being a bird, then you Max, are good at being Max.  You are not here to be Michael or Hannah or Will, you are here to be you...You are here to become the-best-version-of-yourself." 

 My stepmom (Grandma Meg) just bought this book for my boys and excitedly read it to them a couple of nights in a row at bedtime.  The source of this quote and this idea are already making a huge impact in my family's life. It is entitled Why am I Here? - a story about becoming the-best-version-of-yourself! by Matthew Kelly.

Yesterday, on the way home from school, one of my son's friends fell off of his bike.  His elbow was all bloody and he kept holding one of his shoulders.  My boys jumped into action!  One of them ran home (unbeknownst to me) and came back with a Band-Aid.  My other son walked his friend's bike to his mom.  When we got home, my oldest son said, "I need to call Grandma Meg!!"  "Why?", I asked.  He said, "I need to tell her about being the-best-version-of-myself!!!  She told me to call her when that happens!"  So, he called and I think his Grandma has had few prouder moments.  He got it!

He was so thrilled at having been the-best-version-of-himself that he wanted to find more things to do.  He made a card for his friend and we rode bikes over to his house to hand-deliver it.  His friend wasn't home, so he just left it at the front door, but he was beaming!  He was so proud of himself and I know he is eager to repeat the experience of being the-best-version-of-himself and the wonderful feelings that go with it.

If you have children and want them to become the best-version-of-themselves, this book is an awesome way to communicate what that looks like, and they can grasp it!!  It is an awesome way to start the conversation.  It's good for grown-ups, too!

I don't think we can be reminded too often that the sum of our life is simply all of our daily choices added up.  Our choices are important! 

Dear God, Thank you for the idea of becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves.  We know what you want from us, but it is not always easy to put it into words or understand what it is supposed to look like.  Thank you for grandmas and people who want the very best for us and our children, and who know how to love them well.  Thank you for children and so many chances to make the best choice.  I love you.  Amen.

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for the recommendation, it's so interesting, this same exact expression comes to mind for me A LOT! I hadn't thought to apply the concept to our children. Gorgeous profile picture, sister!

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    1. Hi Julia! Yes, that is why this book is so great. The kiddos are so impressionable and if they can understand this concept now, there will be no stopping them!

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  2. I just love this story. Doing the right thing energizes. It motivates, satisfies and gives direction when the next need presents itself. Sounds like the boys were flying with their angels when helping their friend. What do you bet there will be many more chances to rescue. Thanks for sharing. I am proud of you. You are an awesome Mom, author and daughter.

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  3. Love this book! I got to hear Matthew Kelly And bought this for My kids And goddaughter. Read Rediscover Catholocism?

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    1. Hey girl! Yes, I've read Rediscover Catholicism and enjoyed it very much, too! Matthew Kelly has a great way of putting vague ideas into great verbiage and gives such simple and practical advice on how to make it happen. Thanks for your comment, It's great to hear from you!

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  4. I am a HUGE fan of Matthew Kelly! When we lived in Savannah we saw him speak on two different occasions about his first two books. We took our youth group to it and we gave the seniors this book when they graduated! It's one of those that I could definitely read again! He is so funny and motivating!

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  5. This is such a great book! I keep meaning to read it to the kids and haven't. This will be our next book. Your boys are so sweet!

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