Last month I ran across a brilliant quote. I think I’ve started to attract them into my life. I love quotes because they offer a small and purposeful way to guide me through the year. 

The quote said:

Watch your thoughts…for they become words.

Watch your words…for they become actions.

Watch your actions…for they become habits.

Watch your habits…for they become character.

Watch your character…for it becomes your destiny.

After I read this quote it got me thinking about my kids and the youth I work with in the community. This is a great time to be proactive, and to give kids activities that help them to become self aware. This self awareness becomes a great filter for future growth.

Watch your thoughts because they become words. I share my experiences with my kids to see this quote used in real life experiences. “If I thought my life was going to come to an end when I became a single mother, I couldn’t do all the things I’m doing now.” It’s always great to positively progress or if you have to fail, fail forward. 

Watch your words because they become actions. I would say every day, “I’m going to start a community garden and help contribute to art in public places.” 

Watch your actions because they become your habits. Now, since I opened my big mouth, I have to follow through to make what I said a reality. Consistently working in the garden and doing art in public spaces takes a great discipline. 

Watch your habits because they become your character. Now the community knows about the garden, murals and my dedication to doing great things for the community. 

Watch your character because it becomes your destiny. We are a 501(c)(3) organization writing grants and getting volunteers to help us with our mission at the garden. We are destined for greatness the more we learn and grow in the garden. The murals I do usually are referred to by the community. Then something interesting happened.

My kids’ light bulb clicked on and they started to tell me about their connection to this quote. Have this conversation with your kids. It will shock you what they contribute to the conversation. I was shocked that my middle schoolers didn’t think they had formed habits. That was until I turned off the internet and they couldn’t play Fortnite or Just Dance (LOL). I showed them a few things about their habits that they didn’t know I was paying attention to. They are young and still building character, but it’s never too late to get started towards helping your child become a great person.