Mindful Monday Word-Opportunities
Opportunities, we all have them. They’re there in the choices that we make. Once we are aware and conscious of the choices that we make our eyes become wide open and we most likely see opportunity. Opportunities are there for the taking, one just needs to be open to explore them, walk through the open door, be open to change. Be open to change? Yes! Opportunities often come with change! A new job opportunity, is change. A new move, is change. A new relationship, is change. Opportunities come with change. Should we be open to opportunities? In my opinion, when you’re open to opportunities, you’re more open minded, you’re more aware of what you want in your life, you seek out opportunities because you are looking for a type of change. When we are comfortable in our daily routines, our daily lives, our relationships, careers, etc. we are not necessarily open to opportunity. So, again, in my opinion, opportunity comes with change and if we can be open to change the opportunities will follow.
I’m a believer that when we encounter a failed attempt at something, there is a lesson to be learned. A new opportunity to learn a new way to resolve the issue. Meet new people. Seek out new opportunities! With this said, how does one teach a child that there are opportunities at our finger tips? The old cliche’ of “the sky is the limit” or “reach for the stars” are really inspiring, but, as an adult it’s important to give resources, tools and lessons to engage a child in these lessons.
Here are some ideas to help teach a child about opportunity:
Find what interests your child. If your child is athletic, you find ways to incorporate athleticism into their daily life. With that said, it’s just as important to find a balance with this, meaning physically and emotionally. A lot of hard work goes into being an athlete and one should find a mindset to balance themselves both physically and emotionally. Practicing the game of interest with your child is one way to introduce the opportunity to play the game. Joining a team is another way to introduce opportunity to play on a team. Find their likes.
If your child loves learning, then read, read, read. Introduce them to new books which will take them to new places and open their minds to more opportunities.
If your child loves music, introduce them to different genres that will spark their love of music even deeper. Introduce them to different musical instruments to see which one sparks their interest. Maybe they love singing, sing with your child! Maybe they love writing, write some songs with your child and encourage them to write on their own. When there is a passion for a topic, we find opportunities, doors will open and the love of the topic will grow deep. We have written a book called TUNE INTO GOOD CHARACTER which introduces each of our nine traits, nine musical instruments and even pages to write your own song!
If your child loves art, introduce them to new mediums, artists and ways to express their passion for art. Art can be expressed in paints, clay, ceramics, drama, etc. There are so many opportunities for a child in the arts and a wonderful way to allow them to express who they are and find their passion, give them the opportunity to explore and find what fits them best.
I think that we all know that there are opportunities to solve problems in this world and they often come from unexpected places. When we’re aware and in tune to the possibilities of opportunities, one is much more likely to find them! When teaching a child about opportunity, do like our character Do’er Duck, this character Flips and Flops and Never Gives Up! Looking for opportunities! Print out the template below and reinforce the opportunity for choices, for growth, and there is always an option to flip or flop! If a task doesn’t work out, flip it, find the solution, find the opportunity to do it differently! Much like the old cliche’ “turn that frown upside down” turn that failure into an opportunity!
TELL me and I forget, TEACH me and I remember, INVOLVE me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin
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