“Be a good ancestor.” – Derek Sivers
That’s a lot of damn pressure to carry. But you’re carrying it whether you realize it or not.
Your kids will pick up many of the habits and rituals you have now. Not all, thank goodness, but they definitely will pick some up.
Some family surnames would be based on the family trade in the old days, like the Smiths, the Carpenters, and Milkers. Maybe not Milkers.
Fast forward another 30 years, and you’ll see your grandchildren pick up on your traits and skills. Feel that weight?
Knowing this, what can we do to ensure our descendants pick up the better parts of us?
My decision to see a therapist and work out was purely selfish. I don’t want to be a bitter, resentful, old fart whose joints are being held together by duct tape and bubble gum.
I know that my girls are watching and so are your kids. They’re always watching. If it’s important to us, it will be important to them. Eventually.
“Abuelito always reminded us that mental health was important and therapy was helpful .”
That’s the long-term game.
And if it becomes important to my girls, well, you got it sparky- it will be important to their children.
When you become financially literate and pass this knowledge to your children, guess what your grandchildren will say?
“Our family knows how to handle money and put it to good use.” Or some variation like that.
Before me, no one was an artist in my family. Now, both my daughters identify as artists.
I look forward to hearing my great-great-grandchildren say, “We come from a long line of artists since PawPaw Teevee.”
Start something today that enriches you and gives you life. Then pass it on.
Be a good ancestor.
