I know this isn't a list of things most people can do, and I personally struggle with all three! But I wish I'd had opportunities to develop these skills when I was younger and when I have children these will be non-negotiables:
1. Play an instrument. The ability to read and create music expands your brain in ways that makes problem solving, math and hard sciences so much easier. I grew up playing piano and I feel like the number of young kids who can sit down and physically play an instrument is shrinking and that's sad! If you can play an instrument or sing or understand the abstract concepts associated with creating music, you have life skills that will serve you forever and in unexpected ways.
2. Lose. Which is related very much to the ability to engage in healthy competition (with others and yourself) . I hesitate to say "play a sport" because not everyone is actually capable of running, jumping, catching...etc! But being on a team builds incredible character and LOSING is something everyone should learn how to do. If you don't know how to lose or what that feels like, you're not prepared to win. And your victories don't count as far as I'm concerned.
3. Speak a foriegn language. The ability to engage with people outside of your culture is invaluable. So is the way in which your brain expands when you learn a new language. It's like unlocking a door to a whole world of connections you couldn't make before. When I met some of the Chilean girls this past summer (@ness @satin @anemona @mille & @allis ❤️❤️❤️) I was so heartbroken that I didn't have the Spanish to speak with them like I could with an English or even a German speaking person! Honestly if I could have any super power it would be the ability to understand and speak every language in the world... But in all seriousness language is a skill everyone should have. And probably, if your American, we should all try to learn spanish. It's 2016.
So yeah! I'm going to be a mean mom because my kids will have to pick one of each of the above things. But they will be well equipped, emotionally tough, well rounded adults and that's what matters! I never blog but this one let me be a pretentious fuck so you're welcome 💕
