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Oscar Obregon's avatar

Funny coincidence Nic: just 2 days ago I was finally reviewing my "Parenting" note with tons of links and recommendations, and your article about Expecting Better was there. We're finally expecting now, a boy. And want to know another coincidence I just realized? We're naming him Tomás!

Oscar Obregon's avatar

Oh and I didn't even comment on what you shared: loved it! Forwarded it to my wife. We think instilling confidence in him is a sort of meta-skill that we want to be very mindful about doing, so this is golden. Thank you for sharing it

Nic Rosslee's avatar

Oscar! So great to hear from you. Tomás is a beautiful name.

Wishing you all the best for the wonderful journey that awaits you.

Oscar Obregon's avatar

Thank you Nic! All the best to you too.

Jenny Ross's avatar

Such wisdom

To live ordinary lives with extraordinary love….

Nic Rosslee's avatar

Thank you, Jen!

Jen Vermet's avatar

Wow I love this Nic. I've read that poem before but forgot when and where. Just as moved me again.

And I love this lesson, I'd love to teach this to others I meet now as well:

“My father really drilled into me from when I was a little kid that wherever you go, the place is better because you’re there, because you’re a decent person. He used to say, ‘You’re a humble person, you’re a decent person, you’re a good person, and you’re not going to screw anybody.’”

Nic Rosslee's avatar

Thanks, Jen. Yes it's wonderfully simple poem with such a powerful message. I hope you're keeping well!

Michelle Varghese's avatar

I love this anecdote and what his dad said to him. I think so many of us taught to be quiet for the sake of respect or something similar. I do like the idea of kids being taught that the always add something to the room they’re in (as we all do)

Nic Rosslee's avatar

Completely! I love seeing our 3 year old try and add value to the conversation around the dinner table, but I like how his rider also applies — to show up humbly and decently. It's definitely not an unbridled confidence and self-importance that he's talking about. A tough balance to strike for sure and possibly even a Goldilocks pursuit. Because I guess your kids will also appear a lot more humble if they just keep quiet...