It's You
DAILY BLOG
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It's you.
The other day, I went to see a movie.
I made it to the theater early enough to catch all of the previews and, of course, the advertisements that play before the movie begins.
One of those ads really caught my attention.
Since it was based on Arizona data, it shared something that honestly surprised me.
It said that 80% of Arizona teens are free from alcohol use, drug use, and tobacco use.
I have to admit...
That made me smile.
Not because it was an advertisement.
But because of what it represented.
Sometimes we hear so many negative stories that we begin to think they're the norm.
So hearing something positive like that was refreshing.
It was encouraging.
It was worth celebrating.
As I sat there thinking about it, my mind drifted back to my own teenage years.
I remember seeing quite a bit.
Tobacco use.
Alcohol abuse.
Drug use.
Those things weren't uncommon.
So hearing that such a large percentage of teens are choosing a different path today gave me hope.
But what I appreciated even more was what the advertisement said next.
It shared that one of the biggest reasons these teens were making healthy choices was because of the influence of their parents, grandparents, and guardians.
Now that...
That was the part that really stayed with me.
The first teachers in our lives aren't found inside a classroom.
They're found at home.
They're the people who raise us.
The people who encourage us.
The people who teach us right from wrong long before the world has its chance to.
That kind of influence is powerful.
It's easy to overlook the everyday moments.
The conversations around the dinner table.
The rides home from school.
The simple check-ins.
The advice that's repeated over and over.
But those moments add up.
They help shape character.
They build trust.
They create a safe place where questions can be asked without fear.
I want to give a sincere shout-out to every parent, grandparent, and guardian who chooses to be present.
Who makes time.
Who listens.
Who guides.
Who loves.
Your role matters more than you may ever realize.
Being available matters.
Being involved matters.
Being open matters.
Strong relationships don't happen overnight.
They're built one conversation at a time.
As I reflected on all of this, I couldn't help but think about my own childhood.
There were times I wish certain things had been explained a little better.
There are so many lessons in life that young people end up learning the hard way simply because no one talked about them.
Sometimes silence teaches just as much as words.
And sometimes the conversations we avoid are the very ones someone needs to hear.
That's why I believe open communication is such a gift.
Young people are going to have questions.
They're going to be curious.
They're going to face situations none of us can completely prevent.
But having someone they trust enough to talk to...
That can make all the difference.
Life has a way of presenting challenges.
But it also gives us opportunities to be there for one another.
To guide.
To encourage.
To listen.
To simply show up.
Sometimes the greatest influence isn't found in having all the right answers.
Sometimes it's just being there.
So today's title says it best.
It's You.
The parent.
The grandparent.
The guardian.
The mentor.
The trusted adult.
Never underestimate the impact you have on a young person's life.
You may never know how many good decisions were made because you chose to be present.
Now that's something worth smiling about.
With that...
I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day.
And remember...
Availability matters.
Being open matters.
And sometimes, simply being there is the greatest gift you can give.
Until tomorrow.
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