The first decision for Success (according to an amazing book I just finished reading, and now will begin the joy of delving into it in more detail for the next few months) is The Buck Stops Here. The Traveler’s Gift, by Andy Andrews was a beautiful read.

There are so many ways to explore how to incorporate these decisions into my life. The Buck Stops Here is all about accepting responsibility for my life. There is no one to blame. I cannot talk about my lack of time. I am responsible for my past, and I take responsibility for my future.

I am where I am today – mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially – because of decisions I have made. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today – mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and financially – because of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am – mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially – by changing the way I think.

My thoughts will be constructive, never destructive. My mind will live in the solutions of the future. It will not dwell in the problems of the past. I will seek the association of those who are working and striving to bring about positive changes in the world. I will never seek comfort by associating with those who have decided to be comfortable.

~ Andy Andrews, The Traveler’s Gift (Chapter 3)

For the next 21 days, I will be focusing on how to put this decision into action in my life.

Tonight, my two little boys and I spent time playing with Flashcards after dinner. This may seem like such a little thing, but if I am not pleased with the state of the public education available to us, and I’m not in a position to be able to switch to homeschooling; I can sit and moan about it, or I can take responsibility and joyfully work to incorporate as much learning through fun and play as we can muster.

We worked on addition and subtraction with Ben, my second-grader. Memorization is so good for growing minds. Then we looked at fun pictures of the planets and various objects in outer space. Yes – I’d found some flashcards eons ago, and tonight was the first time we played with them. I was surprised at how much Ben knows about outer space! That boy is a reader, and he’s learning faster than I can keep pace. Mommy has to kick her learning into overdrive to stay a tiny moment in front!

Then Bean and I worked on shape and color flashcards from Sesame Street! He knows most of the shapes, even some of the tricky ones. He calls Diamonds Crystals though – which is so funny to me.

Bean made up his own song tonight and sang it to me, and went to bed at the usual time, all snugly and tired and ready for sleep. Ben is staying up to read later into the night. His mind is so active. Let him read!

The Buck Stops Here. I am responsible for improving the educational opportunities I offer to my boys. Their success depends on it! We can make learning fun and keep them interested and engaged learners for life with a little effort and imagination.

Photo from here.