It is another gloriously sunny morning in London
As I planned my day, I flicked through my oldest journal and came across a poem by Amanda Cater, called “If a Child” :-

• If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn
• If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight
• If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy
• If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty
• If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient
• If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident
• If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate
• If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice
• If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith
• If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself
• If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

It is many years since I last read this, and somehow it seems more poignant and meaningful today. It makes more sense today as I guess I am in a different space and more grounded. Also over the intervening years I have been blessed with numerous nephews and nieces and I have done a lot of work with the children at Nirvana School.

The above words ring so true now and yet they are much more universal than just for children. These wise words in their simplicity offer us a way of living with each other.

Imagine how all of our relationships would change instantly, if we refrained from criticism, hostility, ridicule and shame.

So from today, get committed to live with tolerance, encouragement, praise, fairness, security, approval and most importantly I feel, acceptance and friendship.

By treating every other human being with acceptance and friendship, all the other pre-requisite things will follow too.

From today, be prepared to be amazed by how much all your relationships improve…