It's so amazing to see how the messages that we receive from our parents as children play such a significant role in shaping our life priorities and who we are today. I have 5 key beliefs that I have passed on to my kids:
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1. Try new things to discover who you are: This one started with food but now I use it whenever we visit new places, meet new people or have to adapt to change in our lives. When my kids complain about me making them try a new recipe I'd say: "How will you ever discover new dishes you love unless you try new ones?" Every Wednesday night we go out for sushi and we try a new roll.
2. Only Angelitos are perfect: I'm not sure if my kids inherited the perfectionist, Virgo trait from me! But whenever they get frustrated by their imperfections or not getting things right, I say: "If you were perfect you'd have wings and you would be living in heaven as an Angelito."
3. Always keep it positive: Mi papá is the most optimistic person I have ever met! Thank goodness that both of my sisters and I inherited this trait. Life can be such a burden if you're a pessimist and negativity surrounds you. No matter what is going on in our lives, I always tell my kids that even in their darkest moments surrounding themselves with positive thoughts and positive people will allow them to see the light.
4. There can't be happiness without sadness: During those dark or unhappy moments I would say: "God created sadness so that you could know what happiness feels like." Whether it's others who are less fortunate than you are or it's your own painful life experiences, without that contrast we wouldn't really know what true happiness is and what it feels like.
5. I've got to be me: There are so many times in life you stray from who you are to please friends, a girlfriend or boyfriend, your boss or even your parents. I tell my kids that you need to stay true to yourself and who you are because otherwise you'll have to either always tell lies or eventually they catch up to you and unravel and you'll never gain the trust of those who you love.
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