Life Fast Forward – BruceSallan
The moment a child is born a parents job is working towards letting them go. Parents plan on being in their children’s life but what happens if were not? What would it be like if you could write a letter to your child in the future? Have you ever considered what you would tell your child about life, e.g., marriage, friends, job or parenting? There is no right or wrong answer. It’s all about being open and honest with our kids. Today, I am fortunate to have a great dad, Bruce Sallan of BruceSallan.com, look at Life Fast Forward with his boys, Arnie and Aaron.
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Enjoy all the moments!Life fast forward moves way to quick!
Life
Fast
Forward
Dear Arnie and Aaron;
I hope to be around a long long time. But, as we never know, I’d like to leave some takeaways for you in the event something unexpected happens to me. Some call this sort of thing, “a living will.”
So, herewith, are my takeaways for you two and the things that I believe are more precious and valuable than the money and possessions you might get from me upon my passing.
In no particular order I hope you’ll take these things to heart as you live your lives:
1. Tikkun Olam – Repair the World Tikkun Olam is the Jewish phrase that literally means to “Repair the World.” I believe that it is our obligation as human beings to do whatever we can to make the world a better place. Boys, please do your part, too.
Bruce Sallan and his boys.Parenting is sharing and caring!
2. Fight for Meaning in Your Life
The Occupy Wall Street protests are an example of mixed values fighting for mixed objectives. Some were there because they truly believed in the core objectives that initiated the protests. Others were just there because they thought it was cool like Woodstock. Please choose battles that matter to your core values and stand up for what you know is right. Don’t just follow along because it looks like fun. Lead with passion!
3. What Goes Around Comes Around
I love clichés. Why: because they are mostly based on common sense and real life experience. While ultimate justice is not always clear on this earth, I sincerely do believe that one way or another whatever you do will come back to haunt you. So, be kind, be considerate, and don’t waste your energy on revenge or hate.
Bruce and Debbie
4. Always Open the Door
I don’t care what is Politically Correct; open the door for every woman you encounter. Treat the women in your life like they’re special. Pick up the tab, be a gentleman, be a man.
5. Your Word is Your Bond
Say what you mean, mean what you say, and keep your word. Don’t promise anything that you don’t intend to honor.
6. Give and You Always Get
The more you give in life, the more you will get. It’s amazing how this karma works. You’ve seen the beauty of my mentoring our friend with a fatal illness. You’ve also seen the length of my relationship with my by now 30-something “Little Sister,” who I became a Big Brother to when she was eight. Who can you help? Who can you mentor?
7. Don’t Take it Personally
The world does not revolve around you. Don’t take it all so personally. Most of the time, IT has nothing to do with you!
8. Sleep On It
Whenever you are upset, don’t respond in the moment. Whether a friend or a loved one has seemingly hurt you, or a job has reached the breaking point, sleep on it. Whatever you think you HAVE to do right now, you can still do tomorrow.
9. This Too Shall Pass
You’ve heard me say this numerous times. This Too Shall Pass applies to both the good and the bad in your life. When things look dire, just give it some time and it will likely improve. When things are grand, reflect on that joy, enjoy it, and realize that these good times will also likely pass.
10. Words Hurt, Words Heal
Gossip is something that cannot be repaired. The words you use can heal or hurt. Choose them wisely. Like a leaf in the wind, a mean comment gets dispersed and is impossible to retrieve. Why put that negative energy out there?
11. Have Faith in God, Embrace Love
We are living in very secular times. Faith in a greater good – God – adds meaning and purpose to life. Where do our values come from if not from God? Where does morality come from if not a higher power? Without values and morality any behavior can be justified. And, without love in your life, there is little joy. Embrace God, find love.
12. Gratitude IS the Key to Happiness
Without gratitude there is little chance for happiness. Every morning when you arise, thank God for the blessing of a new day. Every day you feel well, thank God that you are healthy. Every meal you enjoy, appreciate.
Bruce and AaronMaking life memories!
Boys, you see me prance around the house singing Elvis songs and other nonsense. Laugh and enjoy life but also remember these reflections, because the real joy in life is not the fun you have, but the good will you create and the positive impact you will have on the world. I love you.
Dad aka Bruce Sallan
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About the author:
Bruce Sallan, author of “A Dad’s Point-of-View: We ARE Half the Equation” and radio host of “The Bruce Sallan Show – A Dad’s Point-of-View” gave up a long-term showbiz career to become a stay-at-home-dad. He has dedicated his new career to becoming THE Dad advocate. He carries out his mission with not only his book and radio show, but also his column “A Dad’s Point-of-View”, syndicated in over 100 newspapers and websites worldwide, his “I’m NOT That Dad” vlogs, the “Because I Said So” comic strip, and his dedication to his community on Facebook and Twitter. Join Bruce and his community each Thursday for #DadChat, from 6pm -7pm PST, the Tweet Chat that Bruce hosts.
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A truly inspiring Life Fast Forward letter Bruce! Arnie and Aaron are very lucky to have you in their life. I have a feeling your boys will create a lot of good will and become a very positive influence in the world! Thank you so much for sharing your letter and wisdom with everyone!
For everyone else….If you have anything you would like to tell or ask Bruce please do so in the comments! As parent’s, we have to support each other and sometimes that means just letting each other know “your doing a good job!”
Is there anything in particular you would tell your children? Would you remind them to just enjoy the moments or not get mad when their children don’t listen? I am still looking for more parents that would like to guest blog and write a letter to their children.
Read my latest post here: Dads Single Parent Blues and be sure to check out the rest of the Life Fast Forward letters including the one I wrote to my son.
Tags: look at life, marriage, parenting, parents plan
Thank you for hosting Bruce, Aaron. I so enjoy you both. Aaron, you make a lovely point about how children are up and gone so swiftly. I know as a child I can still remember thinking I had an eternity of time. Being childless myself, I still remember that feeling with such clarity, yet I also know it’s opposite; the swiftness that mortality brings. Too soon the kids are grown and gone. Then, we wait for the little ones they bring to visit. Cherish all of it as I know you all do. I am trying not to sound desperate or sad, but another friend from the Homeless shelter died yesterday; that’s two in 5 weeks, who have died suddenly, both younger than I. I am not afraid for myself, and this is not the place to have a lengthy discussion. I think it appropriate to celebrate the lives of all. I revel in the glee and fun and the lessons and values you are passing on to your children. You are both such heroes. Lion-hearted beings, men without peer, I’m happy to know that there is such care for our future. You are our light-bringers. I am so glad to be here and celebrate along with you all. Thank you, dears! Mary. <3
Mary,
Thank you so much! Bruce is an excellent writer and father. He has a way of involving you in his post and making you want to read more. Mary, just because you don’t have kids doesn’t mean you don’t/won’t matter to them. Until we had Xander I was about to give up all together and just make use of my time in volunteering with youth. We can always find ways to make our lives and others matter!
Aaron
Lovely message to leave. A child’s education in one.
David,
I agree! Bruce did an excellent job on this post!
Aaron
This is a great feature. Always great to read.
Gina,
I am glad you enjoy it! I really want to get you to do one and yes I know you told me you would but I have to keep asking
Aaron