Top 7 Lessons I Want my Kids to Remember Forever

1. Nothing is as it seems.

We don’t know anyone else’s financial situation, backstory, or personal struggles. People who seem like they are ruling the world may actually be crumbling inside. The Talmud refers to this world as olam hasheker, a world of deception, which social media depicts all too well.

The people you think are wealthy may be in heavy debt, and the people you think are poor may have happiness that is priceless.

Everyone has their struggles; no one’s life is perfect. Remember that as you keep your head high when facing your own struggles.

2. People will remember how you made them feel —not what you said.

Maya Angelou famously stated, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Your smile and warmth to others will be remembered forever. You may be the brightest, most eloquent entrepreneur, leader, or influencer, but if you make others feel inferior to you, they will walk away disheartened and unchanged. Your smile can break boundaries and give light to others who are struggling. Your encouraging words can change someone’s life on a bad day.

3. Kindness is your superpower.

You have the most incredible superpower within you that can move mountains and defy nature: kindness.

No matter what the situation, you can always choose kindness. Even when it’s hard or when someone is rude to you, you can select a response that reflects your greatness.

When someone hurts you and you respond with kindness, you are tapping into an inner light that illuminates the entire world.

When someone you know is being bullied, either on the playground, in cyberspace, or in the workforce, you become a superhero when you choose to help the victim.

This popular quote says it all: “Let your child be the weird kid, let them be the funny kid, the quiet kid, the smart kid, the athletic kid, the theater kid, the numbers kid, the teacher’s pet, the chatterbox, the valedictorian, the middle of the pack, or the barely made it kid. Just don’t let them be the mean kid.”

4. People may want to hear the gossip at the moment, but they’ll respect you and stay your friend if you don't.

Sometimes you’ll have a juicy piece of gossip to share. In the moment, everyone’s ears will perk up and the attention will be on you as they beg you to share what you know.

When you are faced with the choice to share that secret, think twice.

People may be curious to hear what you know, but if you reveal the secrets of others, deep down they won’t trust you to keep theirs. You will find yourself with many true friends if you hold back from gossiping. People will trust you and know that you are worthy of hearing their story.

5. Your integrity is your greatest asset.

Life will present moments when you have to choose between your reputation and your integrity. Choose integrity.

Reputation is defined by what does everyone else think of me? Integrity answers a different question: What do I think of me?

When you live with integrity, your moral compass guides you—not what others think. As long as you care more about the perception of others, you will be imprisoned. True freedom is when you do what is correct, even if it doesn’t seem that way to an outsider.

Worry about what is right instead of what looks right.

6. Giving changes the giver.

On the one hand, we all love receiving, but our soul thrives off of giving. The more you give, the more you express the deepest desires of the soul. I once heard a beautiful quote, “The only money you have is the money you give away.” Nothing physical comes with us to the grave.

Giving develops empathy, increases confidence, and breeds personal empowerment. When you see that your hard-earned money can help someone else, you feel powerful. Using your talents and your creativity to change the world is inspiring. Receiving feels good in the short term, but the great feeling you get from giving lasts forever.

7. Your spiritual choices remain with you forever.

Everything in the physical world can be taken from you in an instant. In seconds, your wealth can diminish in an economic downfall. Your properties can be destroyed from a natural disaster. An accident or sickness can destroy your mind or body.

The only thing that can never be taken away from you are your spiritual choices. The moments you overcome your anger, the times when you bite your tongue and choose the high road over cattiness, and the spiritual growth you achieve behind closed doors remain with you forever. No one can ever take away your spiritual efforts; those last forever.

I hope that my children will live life with these seven principles to the best of our ability. When you live this way, it can become your legacy forever.

In the comment section below, share the key life lessons you want to make sure your kids live with.