“Raising Strong and Healthy Kids: A Message from Marla”
Raising Strong and Healthy Kids
Long before my journey with Usborne Books & More began, and before I delved into the study of law, I set out to emulate the habits of history’s most remarkable individuals: Zig Ziglar, Jesus, Mary, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, and others. What I discovered during this quest was profound – those gut feelings we often dismiss as mere hunches are, in reality, our guardian angels warning us of impending danger, urging us to steer clear. Your guardian angel, I learned, is the key to unlocking the treasure trove of wisdom within you. Allow me to share a captivating anecdote to illustrate this concept.
Cast your mind back to the nascent days of Facebook. Remember how we’d enthusiastically add people to our networks, all in an effort to project an image of popularity? Perhaps it’s not a memory for you, but in 2006, I was among those caught in this social media whirlwind. Looking back, it seems rather amusing, and I can’t help but feel a tad foolish. Admit it or not, we all crave the approval of others; it’s an inherent facet of human nature. No matter how vehemently I once professed indifference to others’ opinions, the undeniable truth is that I, like most, secretly yearned for popularity. I suspect you, too, understand this yearning – the desire to be esteemed, cherished, and admired by those in our social orbit.
Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you manage to become one of those rare individuals about whom people exclaim, “There’s something truly magical about her,” rest assured that you’re on the right path to winning people over. However, let me offer a word of caution: even when you achieve your goal of popularity, not everyone will sing your praises. It’s a curious quirk of human nature – some individuals simply won’t warm up to you.
Speaking of Facebook, I invite you to watch my video, which delves into the core of my mission. Afterward, please take a moment to leave a comment sharing what resonated most with you and what aspects you found less appealing. On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to join us today? I eagerly await your feedback. Simply click here to leave your thoughts.
The wisdom of the Bible itself recognizes a fundamental truth about people. Romans 2:18 advises, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” This ancient text contains boundless wisdom within its pages, offering insight into our boundless potential as well as our inherent imperfections. And what does the Bible prescribe when faced with the reality that not everyone will like you? Turn to Luke 9:5, which imparts this message: “Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” In essence, it instructs disciples that if, despite their best efforts, they cannot find common ground with a community, they should symbolically rid themselves of the negativity and move forward.
In simpler terms, it’s wise not to be unduly affected if you don’t achieve universal popularity.
After years of dedicated study and effort to cultivate the habits of successful individuals, I’ve discovered proven and tested methods that can transform you into someone whom others genuinely like. I strongly recommend passing on these invaluable lessons to your children, especially in today’s world where mental health challenges are prevalent. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a “difficult” person, are naturally introverted, or even lean towards being antisocial, you can evolve into someone who enjoys harmonious, normal, and fulfilling relationships with others.
[First Name], I implore you to recognize the importance of this subject and invest time and attention in mastering the art of becoming a person whom others genuinely like. Teaching this skill to your children is equally crucial. Failure to do so can hinder your overall happiness and success, potentially impacting your psychological well-being. Being liked extends beyond mere ego gratification; it encompasses the vital realm of satisfying and healthy relationships. It is my belief that this oversight contributes to the alarming rise in mental health issues and youth suicides today. As parents, it is our responsibility to instill this wisdom in our children.
The passing of my father last year deeply affected me, prompting introspection. Why do we seek the approval of others? Why do we yearn to be liked? It’s because, as human beings, we have an inherent desire to feel wanted and needed. Experiencing rejection or a lack of belonging is among the most profound and devastating emotions one can endure. To be the kind of person who lives life to the fullest and embraces their emotions, it’s essential to learn how to confront this pain.
The “hermit,” the “loner,” the isolated introvert – these individuals often suffer in silence, and their agony is difficult to articulate. While I, by nature, am extroverted, outgoing, and generous, introverts may not experience the same opportunities for normal social development unless they are gently drawn out of their shells and recognized for their unique value. The feeling of not being wanted or needed can lead to frustration, accelerated aging, and even illness. If your children ever feel that nobody wants or needs them, it’s crucial to address this issue promptly, as it represents not only a tragic way to live but also a severe mental health concern.
The remedy for this condition lies in a spiritual transformation, particularly in reconditioning your mind. It’s a process of liberating yourself from your own constraints.
I personally faced a similar challenge last year. After relocating to Houston five years ago and returning to Denver three years later, I found myself in a rut. I felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness that I couldn’t seem to shake. That’s when I embarked on a journey to heal my soul and rejuvenate my mind. Reading played a pivotal role in this transformation.
So, here’s an exciting challenge for this month: commit to reading together for 300 minutes every week in November. As a reward, I’ll provide you with a fantastic bundle of books in December. To make it even more engaging, reach out to friends and family, and ask them to pledge $5 for every 5 minutes of reading as a family. Share your progress in your reading journal here. Plus, the family that reads the most, accumulating 1200 minutes of reading in November, will receive a cozy bundle as a special prize. Don’t forget to explore our wonderful selection of books!
Capture a heartwarming moment of you and your family engrossed in a good book, and share it here. The picture with the most likes will earn you $40 worth of free books. Let’s make reading a cherished family tradition!
One of the fundamental lessons my Christian faith has imparted to me is the importance of sincerity, forthrightness, and a genuine love for others. These virtues have proven to be invaluable in earning the favor of most people. However, I must admit that I lost my way for a time when my son was born, and it took me nearly eight years to rebuild my self-confidence.
During this journey, I found inspiration in the habits and principles of successful individuals like Marie, Laura, Zig, and Amy. Their wisdom and guidance have played a significant role in reshaping my mindset. Sometimes, I even find myself imagining conversations with them, and on occasion, I take full control of these imagined meetings. It might sound a bit unconventional, but it’s been an empowering and transformative experience. After all, growth often emerges from stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing new perspectives. 😊
This year, I had the remarkable realization that the world is brimming with fascinating individuals…
I went through a period where I felt like I was losing myself, and during this time, a profound truth emerged, beautifully encapsulated in the Bible: “I found myself in losing me.” In the process of losing myself, I not only discovered a renewed sense of self but also forged meaningful connections with many new friends. So, if you aspire to be well-liked, nurturing a pleasant personality is paramount.
When I first moved to Colorado at the age of 20, I lacked a college education and, to make matters more challenging, I was functionally illiterate. Despite these obstacles, I found it surprisingly easy to secure employment. I was filled with enthusiasm, possessing a natural and giving disposition, always willing to go the extra mile. However, I often found that I didn’t quite fit the mold in many workplaces. Life was undeniably tough. To compound matters, I entered into a detrimental relationship during my twenties that left me feeling incomplete.
Unbeknownst to me, I became someone who would engage in ill-advised actions in a bid to gain popularity. I found myself stuck in a high school mentality during my twenties. I genuinely cared about people, but I was unconsciously reactive in my interactions. I had to embark on a journey of self-transformation, learning to love others selflessly and let go of my self-centeredness. It took me several years to truly accomplish this shift.
To combat the rising mental health challenges among teenagers, instill in them the qualities that can help them become well-liked and esteemed individuals:
Embrace Authenticity: Teach your children the value of being natural and genuine. Encourage them to love and care for others while letting go of excessive self-focus.
Confidence in Their Skin: Foster a sense of comfort within themselves. Help them understand that self-acceptance and self-assuredness can attract positive attention.
Empower Others: Teach them to uplift the self-esteem of those around them. Emphasize the sacredness of each person’s ego and encourage them to respect and contribute to others’ self-worth, even in the face of potential criticism or negativity.
Build Others Up: Share the invaluable lesson you’ve learned through your experiences in Colorado – never deflate people. Show them how building others up with genuine love and support can lead to strong, lasting connections.
Read and Learn: Instill the habit of reading in your children. Explain how reading has been your ally in solving various life challenges. Encourage them to explore books as a source of knowledge and personal growth.
By imparting these qualities to your children, you equip them with the tools to not only navigate the complexities of life but also to positively influence the world around them.
Un millón de gracias,
Marla
P.S. If you think someone could find this useful, please forward it. Leave your comments below. Let me know what you’re doing to raise strong, healthy kids.
