Raising a Family

My Role as a Citizen of Earth

As the member of the earthly family, I am a part of the community
and dependent on Earth for survival, I have a big task. I will seek 
guidance from my family and keep our guiding principles. 
Happiness is something I will decide on ahead of time. I will
walk with dignity, honor and humility. I will maintain the knowledge 
of my culture, remember the ceremonies, and sing the songs 
handed  down from generations so that I may pass these on to 
future generations. I will think  about what kind of person I want
to be and start developing myself now  to become this person. 
Happiness does not depend on the  little things that happen. 
Happiness depends on what I think about my life and situation. 
I cannot live my life as a "victim" in denial and isolation. I will not
resort to be a "Critic" and live my life in anger. I refuse to be a
"bystander" watching my life slips away while I survive with 
bargaining and live in depression. I will choose to be the 
"Navigator" at the helm of my ship and accept what life gives me.
In my mind, I have already decided to have happiness and plan 
to educate myself so I will remain  positive, develop a good
sense of humor and learn to laugh with others everyday. My 
grandma used to tell me that every day she lived  was a  "Gift" 
and she intended to make the best use of it. I will follow her path
and remember life is a gift and as long as my eyes open I will 
focus on each new day unfolding as if it were the first time I ever 
saw it, or the last thing I will ever see. I will remember all of the 
happy memories I can share with family members for 
generations to come when I live another day.  I choose to do all 
these things myself; because no one else can do them for me it 
is a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I will never 
forget to pray for guidance asking my Creator to make me open 
to whatever nature teaches. I will become a great asset to my 
family, my community, my Earth and myself. 

Contributing to the World Community

Community is a part of our family. It provides a sense of belonging, a place for socializing, somewhere to immerse in culture, language, religion & meet with friends & extended family members. Elders teach children to honor themselves & other in the community. Honoring himself or herself honors everyone. Children need to learn to give back to the community by donating time & talents whenever possible. By cultivating friendships with other men, women & children each person shows mutual support & strength for the community as a whole. Every community decision affects generations now & in the future. It is important children realize each man, woman, & child’s actions will improve or destroy our common inherited communities. Teaching children to care about the community helps them stay free of alcohol, drugs and depression. One day with education, our communities will forever be free of violence. Children modeling good behavior will teach their young & when others see that it can be done, they will follow and eventually our Earthly residence will be a safe community treated with respect by everyone.