How easy do you find it to walk your own path, trusting your intuition to lead you in the right direction, trusting yourself over what makes logical sense? Can you do it? Have you ever tried?

For so long we have been programmed to do as we are told, to be good, to behave, be polite, respectful, work hard and suchlike, and I am wondering, in the light of recent events (2020) is now the time to change things up a bit and experiment with a new approach? And this means all of us.

As daring as it may sound, I propose a new paradigm in which we trust that each individual actually does know what is best for themselves and, as long as they are not in immediate danger, it is perfectly acceptable to make choices according to their own inner guidance, even when that may fly in the face of familial or societal expectations.

But what could this mean for our children?

After a whole year of broken education and the possibility of more to come, it would mean allowing them to follow their own interests, whilst supporting them to explore new avenues.

Support and encourage children to follow their passions and talents

It would mean understanding that every child does not need to be a fully rounded expert in English, maths, humanities, art, sport and science, but that it is perfectly acceptable, nay preferable, that those who feel a strong pull in a certain direction be supported and encouraged to follow those breadcrumbs as far as they may lead.

And as parents it might look like sharing more of ourselves, our story and our history so that our children might see us as whole people, not one dimensional characters put on earth to simply serve their needs.

By embracing our own inner guidance and following our own sense of what is good, we can demonstrate this personal power to our children, build up their confidence and give them their own voice, which, hopefully will be distinctly different from ours in every way and only serve to make their contribution to the world all the sweeter.

Starting with small decisions like what to wear, let us begin trusting our kids and not fearing them being different, and if they discover a hobby they want to explore, support their new learning without expectation. No, they do not need to stick at it, win medals or get certificates, especially if they are not competitive.

What is wrong with simply trying something on for size and letting it go when the time comes? Give them, and yourself, the freedom to try, change, walk away from anything in life, from work to relationships, and we will see a happier generation of free thinking creative souls who may literally change the world.

So what do you say, are you willing to give it a go?