Happy New Year, peeps!!! 2009 brought many challenges and joys. It marks the year I started this blog, and met so many amazing people like you.
Thanks so much for being a part of my world, and for adding your voice to the quest to improve the lives of children — and in the process, our own lives — by reconnecting with nature, making time for play, and putting the desire for happiness and joy above things and money.
I am rerunning my 10 Wishes for Today’s Kids post, which was one of the most popular posts of the year. I hope it resonates even more on this, the first day of a new decade.
Cheers to a happy, healthy, and play-filled 2010, my friends!
xoxo- Bethe
“Childhood is the fiery furnace in which we are melted down to essentials and that essential shaped for good.”
~ Katherine Anne Porter
As a writer, and I hope, a thought-leader on childhood issues, I spend a lot of time speaking to parents, educators, and other grown-ups. Today, I want to speak to the kids. Hopefully, some of their grown-ups listen in.
10 things I wish:
1. That the media stops scaring the crap out of your parents 24-7, so that they think the only place you are safe is tucked away in the house;
2. That the decision-makers get down to business with true education reform so that you have the opportunity to learn to LOVE to learn, and not just learn (um, maybe) what will be on a test;
3. That we “grown-ups” stop being so lawsuit happy, so that liability is not the first thing on the minds of educators, parks and recreation professionals, community associations, and other parents. I hope with all my might that you are actually allowed to play and have fun in this life;
4. That you realize that you have choices, and the right to make mistakes — and the world will not stop spinning when you do;
5. That your parents set a limit on screen time. I know, you don’t want to hear this, but trust me on this one — it’s a must;
6. That you learn to LOVE to read. Even if they do make a movie about it, you can bet the book is better. Learn to get lost in a story and try your hand at writing your own;
7. That you spend every moment you can outside. Check out the woods, the beach, the mountains, and everything else in between. Let nature awe you;
8. That you learn to be fearless, bold, and let your freak flag wave. I don’t mean live dangerously — but I do mean have the guts and gumption to really live and don’t be afraid to be yourself;
9. That you don’t get everything you want, that things don’t always come easily to you, that sometimes you fall flat on your face, and that you figure out (um, eventually) that these are all good things; and
10. That you get the freedom to breathe and the space to explore the world and figure out who you are in it.
So, that’s it. I have a lot of hopes and wishes for you guys, but what I want most of all is for you to grow up knowing how to appreciate life as the rich and fascinating ride that it is, and to know how to dust yourselves off and pick yourselves up when things get tough, because they will. Oh that, and to really know how to laugh — deep, from the belly, bone-stirring laughter. It’s one of the greatest skills you can ever learn.
Enjoy the ride and great good luck, kiddos. I will be rooting for you.
See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru
Happy New Year Bethe! Here’s to 2010 and a joyous adventure outside! Cheers!
Peas Out!
~daddy b.
.-= daddybookins´s last blog ..This Sums It Up =-.
Here’s to a GREAT 2010, where everyone gets a new chance to explore the woods, the beach, the mountains and everything in between (love that one)!
Thanks for the inspiration for getting outside in 2009. I’m looking forward to more from you in 2010. Happy New Year Bethe!!!!!
.-= Alison Kerr´s last blog ..2009 Best of Loving Nature’s Garden =-.
What wise words for our children, Bethe, let’s hope they hear you!
Happy New Year to you too
.-= Christie´s last blog ..Channeling My New Years Resolve =-.
Thanks Bethe…I do love that post!
Happy New Year to you and here’s to a great 2010…filled with lots of outdoor activities!
.-= Tara´s last blog ..5 Transportation Ideas for New Year’s Eve =-.
Happy New Year, Bethe!
Hope 2010 is a wonderful one for you with lots and lots of time outside!
.-= Mel´s last blog ..5 winter solstice activities =-.
Happy New Year to you Bethe, wishing you all the best for 2010. What a great post, I love it, and as very often, it inspires me for raising my own little one (not really little anymore
).
Lots of Love…
In case U missed my NY wishes for grown-ups & those kiddos: http://bit.ly/8QdSyo
RT @balmeras: In case U missed my NY wishes for grown-ups & those kiddos: http://bit.ly/8QdSyo
RT @balmeras: In case U missed my NY wishes for grown-ups & those kiddos: http://bit.ly/8QdSyo
RT @balmeras Happy New Year! http://bit.ly/8QdSyo The grass stain guru's fabulous wishes for us all this year!
RT @balmeras Happy New Year! http://bit.ly/8QdSyo – Make a New Years Resolution to read The Grass Stain Guru – it's an amazing resource!
10 things I wish (from the Grass Stain Guru) http://bit.ly/5bes7S
Yippee! Wonderful post:) We are out in this amazing snow as much as possible! The kids are loving the cross country skiing…and walks on the wintry beach….
Hope you are well, Bethe!
Susan
RT @balmeras Happy New Year! Great list for letting your kids live free-range this year: http://bit.ly/8QdSyo
RT @balmeras Happy New Year! Check out this great list for letting your kids live free-range this year! http://bit.ly/8QdSyo
Happy New Year, Bethe! I love the picture and especially your 10 wishes for a play- and experience-filled 2010 and beyond. Cheers to 2010!
Suz
Children & Nature Network, Slow Family Online
I love it, I love it, I love it.
Here’s hoping ALL 10 wishes come true.
XXX
.-= @wildelycreative´s last blog ..I resign =-.
I couldn't have put it better myself. 10 wishes for New Year: http://grassstainguru.com/2010/01/01/happy-new-year/
I almost missed this post in the rush of the holidays and too much vacation. What a great list!
Great wish list Bethe! Happy New Year! – http://grassstainguru.com/2010/01/01/happy-new-year/ (via @balmeras)