Road Rules

 

Sometimes it amazes me how insightful kids can be.  The boys and neighbor were playing outside.  When I went outside to check on them, I stumbled upon the Road Rules.

 

 

 

# 1.  It’s not about who is the fastest, it’s about having fun!  How many times do we try to one up our neighbors, friends or siblings…only to miss out on having fun during the journey?  I’m not opposed to doing your best.  But when it is to be the best or to just “win”, maybe the motivation is not in the right place?

There have been times I will do something, just to get the affirmation that I am still the “best”.  Instead of enjoying what I am doing, I am only working towards that affirmation.  I think I could benefit from slowing down, and enjoying what I am working on…after all, it’s about having fun!  I might have to post this photo on the fridge as a reminder.

 

# 2. Don’t get mad if someone is riding the same thing as you.  I have shown up to work wearing the same dress as a coworker.  We laughed about having to schedule the dress, so we didn’t show up again as twins!  I could have been upset that she was wearing the same thing, but decided to make a joke about it instead.

Looking at the “rule” a different way, might be wanting more or something else.  It’s a good reminder to be satisfied with what we have and not worried about what our neighbor has or is doing.  I know I struggle with this, but I am a lot more happy when I am content with what I have, instead of looking outward.

 

# 3.  Don’t cheat.  I think that says it all.  I can remember when I was little, playing Monopoly with my little brother.  I would cheat by giving myself a little “extra” money from the bank.  I was so focused on winning the game, I didn’t give myself the opportunity to just have fun AND to be a graceful loser.

I see this same weakness in oldest son.  I try to share with him that it is not fun to be a sore loser.  It’s more fun to share the winner’s triumph than it is to dwell on our losses.  We are still working on it, but he is starting to play games and not be upset if someone else wins.

 

I love the insight of these Road Rules and how I need to be better at implementing them in my life.  Have you had a life teaching moment watching children play, or maybe staring out at you from the sidewalk in sidewalk chalk?!

 

“Alright, good luck” as you travel your journey and don’t forget the Road Rules!