This morning I dropped my son off at school – poor kid started a week before his sister’s schools this year. Nearing 13, he’s not the most personable in the morning. And admittedly I can be a bit annoying – trying to talk to him and stuff. As he got out of the car, I said the same mantra I’ve told him for a few years now, “Prepare for your brightest future! Be your best self!”
It started as sincere encouragement. After a “few” eye-rolls, I now am overly energetic and its become a bit of a silly game. I say it during carpool, on the way to sports practice, encourage his friends, and ask him before bed, “Were you your best self today?”
Driving to work this morning, I thought about the phrase more deeply. I always intended for it to convey “This is your time to create your future. Make it great. Worthwhile. Invest in yourself. Get the most out of this day that you possibly can. Try hard. Work hard. Learn a lot. Be curious. Represent yourself well. Be a great friend. Be kind to everyone. Laugh. Enjoy.”
I’m not sure he knows this was the intent behind the phrase – I will double-check tonight.
It also got me thinking….am I my best self everyday? Do I show up with great energy? Do I bring my very best to what matters? Do I bring light and positivity to the world? Do I invest in myself – to create my own brightest future? I really should.
The Redefining 