The Commonplace Book- A Gift to My Daughter
My daughter is a senior in high school as of this writing. Soon she’ll be off to college. She’ll be on her own. Time flies way too fast. Parents have less than two decades to make a huge impact on their children. Like anything else, you never think about the present as it’s occurs. If I did, I may have adjusted some things.
As my daughter was growing into the young lady she is today, I was growing as a parent. I wish I knew then what I know today. I’d be a much better parent. You don’t know what you don’t know right? Can’t be too tough on myself. I tried to be the best father I could be considering what I knew at the time. But I can’t help feeling that I’ve got more to teach her. I’ve matured late as a parent. Took things for granted. So how do I reconcile this (I’ve got more to teach her but a limited time in which to do it)?
The Commonplace Book.
A Commonplace Book as I understand it to be is a collection of quotes that mean something to you. The idea of a Commonplace Book always piqued my interest. Famous thinkers in history had commonplace books. Ben Franklin had one. Thomas Jefferson also had one. Many perhaps. It was a source of writing inspiration for many of these thinkers. I’ve found that to be the case for myself.
I’m using my daughter’s senior year to hand write a notebook full of inspirational quotes, a commonplace book. The idea is that when things aren’t going as planned, as happens in life, she can open up the book and experience a mood change. That’s the plan at least.
Themed collections of quotes.
Gratitude. I’m grateful for all the things I’ve got in my life. Good or bad, these things have shaped me to be the person I am. I want my daughter to understand gratitude.
“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” — Will Arnett
“Always have an attitude of gratitude.” — Sterling K. Brown
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — JFK
Resilience. Young adulthood is a tough time. People are pulling you in all sorts of directions. Bad things happen, but it isn’t the end of the world. It’s tough to step outside yourself as bad things occur. Having some quotes that remind you that better times are on the horizon is critical.
“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” — Steve Maraboli
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” — Margaret Thatcher
Happiness. It’s very easy to take happiness for granted. These quotes help ground us. Keeps us thinking that happiness is fleeting. Take advantage of it when it comes.
“Remember this, that very little is needed to make a happy life.” — Marcus Aurelius
“The only joy in the world is to begin.” — Cesare Pavese
It may turn out to be a bust. I may be imposing my needs and wants on her. Having lost my father at a formative time in my life (young adulthood), this is something I’d cherish. His wisdom. Wisdom from others that have resonated with him. Wisdom that guided his life. Guided his decisions.
My daughter may turn out to be different than I am as far as nostalgia goes. But I’m not leaving anything to chance. The worst that can happen is that this commonplace book becomes a nice paperweight. Or is of the right thickness to stabilize a wobbly table. And that’s not too bad of an outcome.
