Please clicky click on the below link to join this fabulous peace spreading!
“…this month’s peace challenge will focus on children. Post anything about the intersection of children and peace.” Kozo Hattori
♥
Serenity
This peace challenge has brought back tender memories and a new found understanding of why I am, who I am.
When I was a child in the 1970’s, my Mom created various pieces of art. The craft was called tri-chem paints and she would (color in) pictures and/or words on fabric and frame these little pictures then, hang them up in my bedroom or around the house. These creations were beautiful to my young imagination.
Here is one of the few I still have.
There was a particular picture/poem, displayed in the house for years but, has been lost to us for almost 20 + years. I googled some of the words my Mom and I could remember and found the poem tonight! Along with finding this treasure, I also discovered the words that helped me discern the concepts of life, as a young child.
P.S. Thank you Kozo, for another awesome peace challenge which, for me, equates to understanding my peace.
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
Dorothy Law Nolte
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 fear,
he learns to be apprehensive.
If a child lives with pity,
he learns to feel sorry for himself.
If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with jealousy,
he learns what envy is.
If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns to be confident.
If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with praise,
he learns to be appreciative.
If a child lives with acceptance,
he learns to love.
If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with recognition,
he learns that it is good to have a goal.
If a child lives with sharing,
he learns about generosity.
If a child lives with honesty and fairness,
he learns what truth and justice are.
If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith in himself and in those about him.
If a child lives with friendliness,
he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.
If you live with serenity,
your child will live with peace of mind.
♥
myloveofthoughts 
I love this poem, and your mum’s pictures are gems, you are lucky to have them hanging on your walls. Full of love and sweetness! Thank you for sharing both with us!
Thank you, from the bottom,top, and middle of my heart!! You are a beautiful light my friend!
Marie, your mum’s picture is beautiful. I love the words above, so deep and inspirational. Thanks you for knocking home to me some powerful truths.
Thank you, my sister! I will share your words with my Mom! I love the words to the Poem as well and you expressed the sentiments soundly, “…powerful truths.”
Love the last stanza, M. if we want peace, we need to live serenity. Love your mom’ s paintings. I can tell she took this poem to heart. {{{Hugs}}} kozo
I love that last stanza too—the truth of the line brings it all home! My Mom taught me about life even, within the mist of her creativity. Thank you, so very very much Kozo!!!
I’ve always loved this poem. Mahalo for finding it and reminding me through your sharing.
Thank you!!! I was so very excited, when we found the poem again. I love it too! filled with sheer honesty and truth.
I had a moment reading those words and thinking about their validity…I don’t think people realize how deeply their actions impact a child. It’s a beautiful piece and the artwork is lovely.
The poem always made me pause and contemplate. I agree wholeheartedly with you! Thank you so very very much!!!!
great words Marie, my goodness, i love the poem very much and can see how talented your mum is! – this picture of her is wonderful 🙂
Thank you poojy!!! I grew up reading the words everyday and felt the meanings deeply, even as a young child. I shall share your words with my Mom, they will make her smile with joy. Thank you, my friend!
(((hugs!!!)))
Your Mum sounds a very arty woman – such an adorable little picture, just the kind of pictures I used to like in the 70’s too, in fact even now!! 😀 And that poem is so true about how children will be if their surroundings are sound, safe and supportive. I remember my Mum trying to help me understand why some kids at school were just plain nasty to me, she would explain that they probably didn’t have a loving and supportive home, so what they received at home, they gave back out. I remember finding that concept puzzling, but it makes so much sense to me today. We don’t really understand when we are children that not everyone lives like we do, and that we may have been amazingly blessed with parents that fed us spiritually as well as physically. Thank you for the reminder, it’s good to reflect on who we are and all the love that we have been so lucky to have! 🙂
You express profoundly, all you share here is spot on! We are blessed to be born into loving families. I’m so grateful and thankful for mine and I too adore those 70’s pictures even today!!! (((Mega Hugs)))!!!!