What Is My Biggest Inspiration?
“Grandkids can get more out of you than the IRS.” – Gene Perret
My grandchildren. I know that many of you reading this, who aren’t GRANDparents yet, may have no idea what I’m talking about. However, those of you that are; know exactly. Being a grandparent is an experiential thing just like becoming a parent. You can read and hear about it, but until you ARE a grandparent and have that earth moving experience the first time you lock eyes with your baby’s baby...you just won’t get it.
My grandchildren inspire me every single day to take good care of myself and be the best I can be. They are watching and listening to me along with their parents and friends to form opinions of the world and how they will fit in.
Statically, today’s grandparents will live to be in the lives of their grandchildren for a very long time. As the age of a first time grandparent in America is only 47, you can do the math and see this is a powerful life stage. This is when we can have a huge impact on the next generation and help make the world a better place. That inspires me big time!
Grandparenting is a two-way inspirational street. When I’m tempted to eat that extra bowl of ice cream or skip my daily yoga or walk, I know that decision will affect my well-being and cut short the time and energy I’ll have to enjoy and influence my grandchildren. We can’t just talk about what they need to do; we need to inspire then by example. My positive self-talk about why I do things to be healthy and fit keeps me on track We know the next generation is watching and will follow our example – good or bad.
So, if you think you are “getting too old” and need to slow down; think again. As grandparents we now have the best motivation and inspiration to keep up the pace.
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