Celebrate neighbor's victory (Advice to my kids)

Dear Söhne (Sons in German),

Winning is an over-celebrated phenomenon socially projected as an essential factor directly attached to emotions and overall happiness index. And it may be true also. However, being happy with others winning is another happiness I wish you guys to feel and develop in your lifestyle.

As you grow, you shall realise that we all thrive in winners' situations as it showcases the prospects of self-progress and social- promotion. In this race of self-winning and marketing self-promotion, we sometimes lose the path of self-worth and wrongly begin to perceive winning with self-worth. Moreover, to remain realistic and practical, you must develop empathy. Thus, you must understand and imbibe the trait/character of praising others for their success and respecting others’ journey of failure. Mind it, for me, the definition of praising others is not merely pressing the “like” button on Facebook or double-clicking posts on Instagram…it is about the natural and heartfelt emotions of admiration and a sense of pride for others' achievement.

Respect, equity, dignity and compassion should be the fundamental and non-negotiable requirements for any human being. Don't worry, though, for any social-emotional skill, reigning in our natural competitiveness is a skill that even we adults are still learning!

So, my dear kids, always remember the world is not a perfect place and that losing a game or a task is less about the actuality of loss and more about emotional regulation. It becomes more crucial when the competitor is a close friend, and they win the game or perform better. During those times, you must cheer for the winner for their honest effort without lowering your self-worth or doubting your effort. Because, honestly, the honest effort does not always guarantee success.

Always believe that when we cheer up for the victory of others, we allow ourselves to grow, improve, and mature in those aspects of our lives that still need to develop. We simultaneously learn to tolerate frustration much more quickly. Instead of being dragged down by opponents or enemies, we know how to use a defeat in our favour and emerge stronger from it.

Losing is never the end of the road. Don't cry because it's over, but smile because it happened. All the best kids!!

Your forever cheerleader,

Mamma

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Trait No. 07- Be happy for others in their times of success. Learn from them and keep working on yourself.

Mantra no 07- Consistency is more challenging when no one is clapping. You must clap for yourself and become your biggest fan while clapping for others on their hard-earned success.

“We know what we are but know not what we may be.” – Shakespeare.