I took a trip. I am not sorry I took it. I went to where some might consider an exotic location. I needed this trip. I felt so alive and happy there. It was a dream come true. I got to go to Paris. I am still paying for the trip. It was well worth it. I got to spend time with my kids in a more intimate setting. I planned the activities we were going to do. I made the commitment to myself to complete the tasks. I did want to give my kids and experience they will never forget.

We had laughs and giggles some days. Other days there were adjustments. We had a family meal at a restaurant. The kids wanted balloons. They saw the balloons. The balloons had a silly character on them. My son and I had fun joking about the character on the balloon, because it did look odd. I relied on my son to help me navigate on the trip.

My kids got to see and experience some things they were not familiar with. They got to see architecture, a new place, experience a new culture, and hear a different language. I want them to know that it is good to get away, fly away.

My kids are so proud of their accomplishment of being able to traverse the monkey bars. At first neither one of them could do it. I tried not to dissuade them. You are too young, you are  too short, and I don’t want to go to the emergency room. I kept my thoughts to myself. I have always tried to encourage them, in achieving their goals.

They love to attain their goals. They are even a little competitive. I try to remind them that they are competing against themselves. They don’t have to tear down someone else or feel that they are not the best because they are not at the same level as someone else.

There is something that is lost when we grow older. We lose the idea that we are only out to compete against ourselves. The Monkey Bars are designed for one person to use at a time. Why do we compare ourselves to others? Why are we so quick to tear down others who may fall off the Monkey Bars? Why are we so quick to point out that we have gone further on the Monkey Bars? It does not make sense when the Monkey Bars are for an individual. The individual can compete against themselves.

Seeing the best in every situation is not always easy. There are times when we can’t see the silver lining, in the clouds. Sometimes the negative situations are there to make us a better person. Becoming the best version of yourself, in the process of creating something that is challenging to you is for your benefit. Believe it or not.

I give speeches in a club. They immediately the speaker in the meeting. You get feedback. When you do get the feedback, you can use it to create a better speech the next time.

The test or the trial is not always obvious in our mundane rituals. They are there. I have had my days when I wanted to throw something out the window. I did not do it. I try to think of every little trial as God shaping me to be the person, he wants me to become.

If I am a better version of my self and have a better outlook on life, then I may influence others to be optimistic as well. Patience and discipline are also key player in becoming an Optimist. I believe it is best to make the most of any situation. I always have. There have been times when I forgot the lesson.

Today was a nice day in our city. The kids went outside. They flew kites and ran around the park. My youngest climbed the monkey bars, just like her older sister. They had a wonderful time. My son had a drone. It flew far as if it were controlled by some unseen force. We did not find it. It was great to be outside and moving about.

It is always better to be in motion than standing still. Losing the drone was symbolic for me. I do want my kids to be free and roam about. They not stick around long when they are older. I hope they do find their way in the world and explore all it has to offer. I hope they do come back home, when they can.

Being lost and roaming about without anyone would be hard on me. However, if there is growth and opportunity for them, then that is would be great for them. It is grand to be moving in the direction of your dreams and goals. When they stop being in motion or roaming about and exploring the world around that would be a sad time for me. That would mean that they are truly not growing.

When  you see something beautiful you know it. Do you know when someone is a beautiful person? I mean on the inside. I try to teach my girls that there can beauty on the inside as well as the outside.

We went to France, and the French would tell me how beautiful my girls are. I like to tell them to say thank you. Also, it is more important to be beautiful on the inside.

Kindness is beautiful. One thing the French know how to do is treat everyone with respect. They do not like it when people don’t greet each other with the subtle courtesies. You have to greet each shop owner, waiter, waitress, and person with a good morning or good evening. You also address them with Sir, Madam, or Miss. They also like it when you say please, thank you, and your welcome.

I try to instill this in my kids as well. It was a great experience to take them to another country. It is my hope that they realize that it is important to be kind and considerate. There is no room for rudeness and inconsideration in a beautiful world. It is the only beauty that truly lasts.

When you want to get something you often give something in exchange. There is a transaction that takes place. There are some things that are not monetary that have value.

Do you have relationships? We all do. Some have more than others. Some have meaningful relationships. How do you go about having a meaningful relationship. You go all in. There are times when you don’t feel like going all in. I am not saying to give and give until you have nothing left to give. I am writing about giving when you don’t have to.

It is not about people pleasing. It is not about saying “Yes” to everyone. It is about getting to know someone and paying attention to them. Having a meaningful relationship is about having a committed, excellent, communicative, quality relationship.

What make a relationship a quality one? Do you pay attention to those you care about? Do you know what they like? Do you know what they dislike? Do you know what makes them tick? Do you make an attempt to see things from their side, even if you feel slighted? Do you listen to them? I think it is important to really listen to your kids.