These lessons are beneficial for our Aspie children to learn, but it takes further explanation than that which is provided on wall plaques. So, I have revised this alphabet somewhat, and added explanation where it is needed for use with my kids with the hope they will one day apply its lessons to their own lives.
Accept differences. Most of the people on this planet are less intelligent than you are, and you need to cut the rest of us some slack once in a while. We're all doing the best we can with what we have. If it bothers you that something or someone is different, look for something you have in common, get comfortable with that, and then determine if the differences really matter.
Be kind.To everyone, including your sister/brother. Sometimes people who are rude or angry need the kindness of others to help them find happiness. That kindness may one day be shown to you at a time when you really need it.
Count your blessings. In other words, be thankful for the good things in your life that are not made of Legos and are not seen on television. Sometimes you have to feel the good things with your heart instead of with your hands.
Dream. In the daytime about what you would like to do some day to make the world a better place. If you are feeling ambitious, you could start this project today.
Express thanks. Say "thank you" for what you are given, even if it is not what you want. Being polite is more important than you think, especially when what you really want to say is, "You screwed up my order, Bonehead!" Don't assume the people who love you know you appreciate them. Saying "thanks" is a simple word that says a lot.
Forgive. Everyone makes mistakes. You must be able to let go of the anger you feel when someone does something that hurts you. Even more important is to remember that sometimes you perceive things differently than others in the same situation. Learn to let go of being hurt and move on.
Give Freely. This is a tough lesson to learn. It is about sharing your toys and your joys. Be willing to let others experience the excitement you feel when you discover something cool. Share your happiness and love with the people around you. Joy is contagious. This does not mean you should give all your money away to anyone who asks for it. Money does not come back to you when you give it away. Friendship and love do.
Harm no one. Do not give in to anger or fear. Let kindness control your body and your words, even when you feel you have been treated badly.
Imagine more. Allow your mind to wonder what the world would be like if. . .
Jettison anger. Remember what Yoda says. "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." Then remember what Mom says, "Get OVER it!"
Keep confidences. Being trusted by someone with a secret is a special gift. Most of the time you should respect your friend's trust in you and keep that secret between the two of you. But if your mind and heart tell you your friend is in trouble, and keeping the secret will make it worse for your friend, then tell Mom. She will know what to do. Don't tell Dad - he'll want to kick some one's ass.
Love truly. You already know how to do this. You do it every day.
Master something. There is a difference between knowing everything about something and being extremely good at something. Knowledge and competency do not always go hand-in-hand. If you find something extremely interesting, learn about it and then become excellent at doing it. That is mastery.
Nurture hope. Never say "never."
Open your mind. Be willing to try new things (like Brussel's sprouts), accept new ideas (such as, cleaning your room without being told), discover something you didn't know existed (laundry soap).
Pack lightly. When you go to visit Grandma and Grandpa, don't feel obligated to take all of your books, toys, and stuffed animals. Leave room in your suitcase for clean underwear. I promise, you'll need the skivvies more than you'll need the toys, and they take up much less space in your luggage.
Quell rumors. Don't talk badly about people when they are not around to defend themselves. This is called gossip, and although it may seem like fun when you're doing it, losing a friend over bad information is a high price to pay.
Reciprocate. When someone does something nice for you, do something nice for him/her.
Seek wisdom. Using big words is not the same as having wisdom. Yoda had wisdom. He had the experiences of 900 years to make assumptions about life's truths. In order to have wisdom, you must "open your mind".
Touch hearts. Please, please do not ask people if you can touch their breasts! And do not assume this means you should actually reach into some one's body and touch their beating heart. . .unless you become a cardiac surgeon, in which case it's o.k. Be honest, sincere, and caring towards others. Love them and allow them to love you back. That should be the closest you need to get to some one's heart until you are at least 21 and it is in a mutually consensual situation.
Understand. Listen with your ears first, and then decide with your heart and mind.
Value truth. Accept information only when you have examined the proof. Question the proof. Sometimes proof is not the truth. Decide with your own mind whether or not something is true. Even though opinions are important, the truth is something you should seek to find.
Win graciously. Save the bragging for when you are away from the person who lost. . .far away. . .like in your room with the door closed. And then remember that one of the best parts about doing something competitive, is learning how to do it better by interacting with other people who do it differently.
Xeriscape. Plant beauty around you. Protect the environment.
Yearn for peace. Remember the words of Ghandi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." If you want to see an end to wars, work to feed people who are hungry. Help to provide shelter for those who are homeless or live in substandard housing. Help to meet the basic needs of humankind, and peace will follow. And it would help to elect leaders who give a damn about the environment and people who are suffering and don't put their personal vendettas at the top of the political agenda.
Zealously support a worthy cause. Decide what is important to you, and use your talents to make it happen.
1 comment:
Cool post!
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