A few days ago, Hubby and I were talking to Eldest about facing her fears. One of the questions that always helps me facing adversity is “What would Jesus do?” In the same vein, we suggested that she try to emulate strong role models of fine character such as Winston Churchill.
One really can never go wrong with Churchill. Not even while being diplomatic.
Anyway, things came to a halt when Hubby suggested Teddy Roosevelt. Why? Because I nixed it. Puzzled they were when I said to emulate Alice Roosevelt instead.
Hubby: Who?
Me: Alice, Teddy’s daughter.
Eldest: Uh, why?
Me: Teddy Roosevelt once said, “I can run the country, or I can control Alice. I can not do both.”
Eldest: Wow….
Me: And really, how could you not admire someone who said, “If you have nothing nice to say, come sit by me”??
Hubby: *snort*
I think I made my point 😀
December 9th, 2013 at 8:48 PM
I can picture nothing that would scare Eldest.
But yeah, that quote rocks.
Teddy? Man, he got it wrong… He couldn’t control her. Not if she said things like that. She let him think he could control her.
Which, now that I think about it, may be Eldest when she digs in like her mom.
Just sayin’.
Tell hubby “I am there for you brother…”
December 10th, 2013 at 8:18 AM
You will feel his pain, I’m sure 😀
December 10th, 2013 at 6:55 AM
Good advice. Besides, Teddy was a big progressive who pushed to expand the powers of government. I admire his courage, but take issue with many of his ideas.
December 10th, 2013 at 8:19 AM
She was a firebrand for sure, and didn’t care about public opinion, or private for that matter 🙂
December 10th, 2013 at 10:12 AM
Any girl who has Teddy Roosevelt’s daughter as a role model is gonna go places in life. Now, its up to you as her parents to make sure she understands the importance of properly disposing of bodies, so that the places she goes do not include “jail” or “court” or “psych ward”.
Facing fears is something everyone should do, and learn how to do. Learning the tools to help face those fears is important as well. Afraid of the dark? Small keychain flashlights are cheap and effective. Afraid of public speaking? Two hand grenades under the podium quells that fear. Afraid of cats? Two words: “napalm” and “claymores”.
December 10th, 2013 at 10:42 AM
I shall relay your advice immediately 😉
December 10th, 2013 at 6:23 PM
I have always greatly enjoyed his ‘manage Alice, or the Country, but not both’ remark. YAY!, Teddy!
December 10th, 2013 at 8:46 PM
She was somethin’ 😀
December 11th, 2013 at 11:51 AM
My son has been raised that Bravery isnt the absence of Fear, Bravery is the measure of how you control your fear.
December 11th, 2013 at 3:00 PM
^^^THIS!!! Thank you!!
December 12th, 2013 at 3:16 PM
Personally I’ve always admired the words and wisdom of a certain Mr. Conan T. Barbarian when asked what was best in life: “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear da lamentations of da wimmen.”
So profound and so true.
December 12th, 2013 at 4:08 PM
Wise words to live by 😉